Cabin Pressure Problems Force Plane to Return
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IRVINE — An America West airliner bound for Las Vegas with 47 passengers on board returned safely to John Wayne Airport after experiencing pressurization problems following takeoff Monday, airline officials said.
The Boeing 737-300 returned shortly after departing at 2:10 p.m. because it could not maintain constant air pressure inside the cabin, according to America West spokesman Mike Mitchell.
The aircraft, which can seat 129 passengers, landed at John Wayne Airport without difficulty.
“The pressurization doesn’t affect how the airplane flies, so it was able to land normally,” Mitchell said.
Since repairs were expected to take 2 1/2 hours, the plane’s passengers were transferred to another America West flight to Las Vegas.
Those with connecting flights were offered accommodations in Las Vegas.
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