Plane with seven sick passengers returns to O'Hare

A flight from Chicago to Denver returned to O'Hare International Airport after experiencing issues with cabin pressurization and ill passengers Tuesday morning.

United Airlines Flight 1218 departed O'Hare at 8:41 a.m. and returned at 9:48 a.m., officials said.

"United Airlines Flight 1218 from Chicago to Denver returned to O'Hare airport to address a cabin-pressurization issue," United spokeswoman Karen May said.

"The flight landed safely, and we requested paramedics meet the flight to assist a few customers who reported feeling ill. Maintenance is inspecting the aircraft as we accommodate the customers."

Seven passengers complained of ear aches and nausea, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said.

The passengers were checked out at an on-site clinic at O'Hare and released with no hospitalizations. A total of 174 passengers and seven crew members were on board the aircraft, a Boeing 737-900.