US pilot and influencer released from Chilean air base in Antarctica

September 7, 2025

Ethan Guo, a 20-year-old American pilot and influencer, has been released after being detained for two months at a Chilean air base in Antarctica for allegedly landing illegally during his solo flight across seven continents to raise money for cancer research. Chilean authorities have ordered Guo to pay a $30,000 donation to childhood cancer research within 30 days and banned him from entering Chilean territory for three years. Originally from Tennessee, Guo was attempting to become the youngest person to fly solo to every continent and raise $1 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital when he was detained after landing on King George Island without proper authorization.

Who is affected

Ethan Guo, the 20-year-old American pilot and influencer
Chilean authorities
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (indirectly, as the intended beneficiary of Guo's fundraising)
Childhood cancer research organizations (who will receive the $30,000 donation)

What action is being taken

Guo is being released from detention at the Chilean air base
Chilean authorities are imposing a $30,000 donation requirement and a three-year ban on Guo entering Chilean territory
Guo must leave Chile as soon as possible
The legal charges against Guo have been dropped

Why it matters

The case involves international airspace regulations and sovereignty claims in Antarctica
It disrupted Guo's attempt to become the youngest person to fly solo to every continent
The incident affects Guo's cancer research fundraising mission, which aimed to raise $1 million
The resolution requires a significant financial penalty that will support childhood cancer research

What's next

Guo must pay his $30,000 donation to childhood cancer research within 30 days
He must leave Chile as soon as possible
Guo has previously stated he wants to continue with his original mission once able to leave the military base

Read full article from source: BBC