Ethan Guo, a 20-year-old pilot and influencer from Tennessee, was released from Chilean detention in Antarctica after being held for over two months. Guo had been attempting to become the first pilot to fly solo to all seven continents, a feat that had captured the attention of many aviation enthusiasts and the general public. His flight to Antarctica was part of this ambitious journey, which also aimed to raise $1 million for cancer research through crowdfunding campaigns. However, his unauthorized landing in Antarctica led to his arrest by Chilean authorities, who claimed that he had provided false flight plan data, which made his landing in the region a violation of their airspace regulations.
Upon his return to Punta Arenas, Chile, Guo met with the press, describing his experience in Antarctica as ‘mundane’ and with ‘limited freedoms.’ Despite the detention, he expressed gratitude for the hospitality and support from the Chilean people, who provided him with food, shelter, and even helped him learn Spanish during his time there. Guo’s lawyer, Jaime Barrientos, argued that Guo faced unfavorable weather conditions that forced him to divert from his planned route, suggesting that Chilean authorities had given him permission to land in Antarctica. However, the Chilean government maintained that Guo had not followed proper procedures and was arrested on his way back to Punta Arenas, which he described as an ‘exaggeration.’
After the charges against Guo were dropped, he was released with a $30,000 penalty. He is now required to donate the tens of thousands of dollars he had raised for cancer charity within 30 days. Additionally, he cannot return to Chile for three years and must leave the country as soon as possible. The incident has sparked discussions about international airspace regulations, the legalities of solo aviation journeys, and the role of individual freedom in such endeavors. As Guo continues with his solo flight project, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to international travel and aviation laws, particularly in regions as remote and regulated as Antarctica.