Mumbai, India: A routine Air India flight from London to Mumbai reported a medical incident onboard on Monday, prompting an investigation by airline officials and aviation authorities. Several passengers and crew members reportedly experienced symptoms of dizziness and nausea during the flight. The cause of the incident is currently under review.
Incident Details
Air India flight AI-130, operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft, departed from London Heathrow on schedule and was en route to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. While cruising at approximately 35,000 feet, five passengers and two cabin crew members reported feeling unwell. Initial symptoms included lightheadedness, nausea, and dizziness.
Upon landing in Mumbai, medical teams met the aircraft at the gate. Two passengers and two crew members were immediately taken for medical screening. All four individuals were treated and discharged the same day.
According to Air India’s official statement, no emergency was declared during the flight, and the aircraft landed without incident. The pilots were not affected and completed the flight normally. The airline confirmed that standard operating procedures for inflight medical support were followed.
Investigation and Safety Checks
Preliminary findings have ruled out cabin depressurization, as oxygen masks were not deployed and no pressure loss was recorded. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified of the incident and is assisting in the inquiry.
One of the leading theories under review is the possibility of food contamination. Air India has confirmed that the affected individuals had consumed meals served during the flight. Samples of onboard catering have been collected and sent for analysis.
In accordance with aviation protocols, cockpit crew members are served meals different from those offered to passengers and cabin crew. Both pilots reportedly consumed their meals without incident, which may have prevented a more critical situation in the cockpit.
The DGCA is expected to conduct a thorough review of the airline’s inflight service procedures, food sourcing and handling protocols, and cabin health and safety systems. This follows closely after recent safety audits initiated by the regulator in response to a series of operational and technical disruptions faced by the carrier over the past month.
As part of the ongoing safety initiative, random inspections of Air India’s Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft are also being carried out, though no technical anomalies have been linked to this incident.
Passenger Advisory
While Air India has not issued a formal passenger advisory, travelers are encouraged to report any post-flight illness to the airline or medical authorities. Passengers onboard AI-130 are being contacted by the airline as a precautionary follow-up.
The exact cause of the in-flight illness aboard AI-130 remains undetermined pending laboratory results and further investigation. Air India has assured full cooperation with regulatory authorities and reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of passenger safety and wellbeing.
