An Air India flight from London to Mumbai turned into a health scare when several people fell ill mid-air. The flight, AI-130, was flying at 35,000 feet when five passengers and two crew members began to feel dizzy and nauseous. The airline confirmed the incident and said it is investigating the cause.
Air India Flight Passengers Fall Sick Mid-Air
The Boeing 777 landed safely in Mumbai, where medical teams were ready to help. “On board flight AI-130 from London Heathrow to Mumbai, five passengers and two crew reported feeling dizzy and nauseous during different phases of the flight,” Air India said. After landing, two passengers and two crew members were taken for checkups and later discharged.
Initial reports claimed that 11 people were unwell, but Air India clarified that only seven were affected. A senior source said cabin pressurisation problems were unlikely, since no oxygen masks were deployed. “Drop in cabin pressurisation is not likely to be the cause,” the source said.
Food Poisoning Suspected
Investigators now suspect food poisoning. Experts say foodborne illness or poor oxygen supply can cause nausea during flights. The pilots remained unaffected. “Pilots get their meal after the passengers have been served. They get the same food, but they eat it later,” a source explained.
Previously, pilots received meals from different kitchens as a safety step. This ensured that even if one pilot got sick from food, the other would stay fit to fly. That system was in place to avoid both pilots falling ill due to the same cause.
This is not the first issue for Air India recently. A different aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, is already under review after another safety incident. In another case, two Air India flights were canceled and one grounded due to engine trouble.
Air India has told aviation authorities about the incident and promised a full investigation. The airline says it is reviewing its food service and health safety rules to stop such cases in the future.
