Airline Passenger, Crew Members Hospitalized After Plane Makes Hard Landing in Hawaii

Image: Kahului Airport, Maui, Hawaii. (photo via Michael Overstreet/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Image: Kahului Airport, Maui, Hawaii. (photo via Michael Overstreet/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:45 AM ET, Mon January 29, 2024

Several crew members and a passenger were injured when an American Airlines plane made a “hard landing” on Saturday at an airport in Hawaii.

According to KHON, American Flight 271 landed at Kahului Airport in Maui after a journey from Los Angeles International Airport when the Airbus A320 “made a hard landing” on the Hawaiian island at around 2 p.m. local time.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials said that six people in total were injured and hospitalized, including one passenger and five flight attendants. The plane then “taxied to the gate under its own power and customers deplaned normally,” per a statement. 

The hospitalized crew members and passenger were released a short time later.

The American Airlines A320 was carrying 167 customers and seven crew members at the time of the incident, and the aircraft was removed from service following the incident to undergo service and safety inspections. 

A spokesperson from American said, “the safety of our customers and team members is our top priority,” while the FAA revealed it had launched a full investigation into the rough landing.

Officials at the Maui airport said the flight arrived on the island over an hour later than expected, but it was not immediately clear what caused the delay.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
How Risk-Free Groups with Collette Skyrocket GrowthMonday, October 5, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Group travel is your Ticket to business growth. Looking to grow your travel business? Join Matt...
Upcoming Webinar
Social Media Made Simple for UTuesday, October 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Social media doesn't have to be complicated. Join Millie Britt, our Digital Marketing Coordinator, for...
Upcoming Webinar
Green Getaways 2026: Sustainable Travel That Gives BackWednesday, October 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for an exclusive webinar on...
Upcoming Webinar
How Risk-Free Groups with Collette Skyrocket GrowthMonday, October 5, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Group travel is your Ticket to business growth. Looking to grow your travel business? Join Matt...
Upcoming Webinar
Social Media Made Simple for UTuesday, October 6, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Social media doesn't have to be complicated. Join Millie Britt, our Digital Marketing Coordinator, for...
Upcoming Webinar
Green Getaways 2026: Sustainable Travel That Gives BackWednesday, October 7, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West and TravelPulse in the virtual studios for an exclusive webinar on...