What is the purpose of cabin pressure control in an aircraft?

Cabin pressure control in an aircraft is primarily designed to prevent structural damage to the aircraft. As an aircraft ascends to higher altitudes, the external air pressure decreases significantly. Without proper cabin pressure management, the difference between the internal cabin pressure and the external atmospheric pressure could cause stress on the aircraft's fuselage. This could potentially lead to structural failure if the aircraft were not designed to withstand these pressure differentials.

The structural integrity of the aircraft is critical for safety, and maintaining cabin pressure within acceptable limits protects against the risk of failure due to pressure extremes. While passenger comfort is certainly a crucial consideration and maintaining a comfortable environment is a secondary benefit, the fundamental purpose of cabin pressure control is to safeguard the aircraft's physical structure.