Medical Emergency On Air India Flight AI-130 Sparks Food Safety Investigation

A routine flight from London to Mumbai turned tense on June 23, 2025, when several passengers and crew members on board Air India flight AI-130 suddenly fell ill mid-air, sparking panic at cruising altitude. Initial reports claimed that as many as 11 people were affected, including six members of the cabin crew. However, Air India later revised the figures, confirming that five passengers and two crew members experienced symptoms of nausea and dizziness.

The symptoms emerged during different phases of the flight, creating unease among fellow passengers. Upon arrival in Mumbai, medical teams were already on standby. Two passengers and two crew members who continued to feel unwell were taken to the airport's medical room for further examination and were later discharged.

While the exact cause is still under investigation, food poisoning is being considered the most likely reason. Other possibilities such as cabin depressurization or oxygen deficiency were ruled out, as there was no deployment of oxygen masks-an automatic response in such cases.

Interestingly, the pilots remained unaffected, which is consistent with aviation safety protocols. Pilots are typically served meals after passengers and from separate kitchens to avoid the risk of food-related issues impacting both crew members simultaneously.

Air India has launched an internal probe into the matter and informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The investigation will focus on the in-flight meals and other potential factors behind the incident.

The flight, operated using a Boeing 777 aircraft, landed safely in Mumbai. No serious injuries were reported, but the mid-air health scare has raised fresh concerns over in-flight food safety and passenger welfare.