Indianapolis

Chicago-Bound Flight Diverted to Indianapolis After Plane Drops 10,000 Feet

When the plane dropped, passengers began to complain of headaches and ear problems

A United Airlines flight headed for Chicago was diverted to the Indianapolis International Airport after the plane dropped 10,000 feet due to a pressurization issue Sunday morning. 

The United Express flight 5919 was traveling from Charlotte, North Carolina, when the plane dropped 10,000 feet, Jeff Dutton, communications manager at the Indianapolis Airport Authority, told NBC News.

United Express is operated by ExpressJet, according to spokesperson for United Airlines.

"The crew followed procedure to bring the aircraft to a lower altitude following a pressurization issue," Jarek Beem, a spokesperson for ExpressJet Airlines, said.

When the plane dropped, passengers began to complain of headaches and ear problems, Dutton said. The flight was then diverted to Indianapolis.

The plane landed safely at the Indianapolis airport, according to Dutton.

None of the passengers or flight staff were taken to the hospital, but Beem said a few passengers asked to be checked by local medical personnel. These passengers were examined on the scene and released.

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