Air India health scare: Passengers fall ill, cabin crew collapses at 35,000 feet; experts cite anxiety and hypoxia as factor

Time of India

5 days ago

In another shocking incident, at least 11 individuals, including six cabin crew members, felt ill, dizzy and nauseated on an Air India flight from London to Mumbai on Monday, reported ToI.
According to Air India, the airline confirmed the incident but said only five passengers and two crew members fell ill. The flight AI-130 was operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft.
The aircraft that is under increased scrutiny after the Ahmedabad plane crash is the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Cause of illness on the Air India flight from London to Mumbai
As per the report, the cause of illness is currently being investigated. However, poor oxygen supply can lead to hypoxia, which can lead to nausea and dizziness on the flight. While food poisoning is also suspected in the incident.
A source explained that a cabin depressurisation issue might lead to reduced oxygen levels in the passenger cabin, triggering oxygen masks to deploy from the overhead panel.
However, since the masks did not drop during this flight, a pressurisation problem is unlikely. The source suggested that food poisoning is a more probable cause.
Air India issues statement on the incident
Air India said in a statement, "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."
"The flight landed safely in Mumbai, where our medical teams were ready to provide immediate medical assistance. After landing, two passengers and two cabin crew, who continued to feel unwell, were taken to the medical room for further examination and were later discharged."
Anxiety plays an important role after the recent Air India plane crash
During an Air India flight from London to Mumbai, 11 passengers reportedly fell ill mid-air. "It is a known fact that high altitudes can lead to dizziness because of low oxygen levels and even some changes in the cabin pressure," says Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai.
"Hence, at high altitudes, there can be reduced oxygen saturation, and one can experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, and even shortness of breath," added Dr. Agarwal.
It is imperative to stay hydrated by drinking enough water, keep moving, and inform the crew at the earliest. "Remember, dehydration, inactivity, or anxiety during long-haul flights can worsen one's condition. So, stay vigilant!" suggests Dr. Agarwal.
Food poisoning at 30,000 feet: Causes and prevention
Food poisoning during air travel is a rare occurrence. However, there is a possibility that this can happen due to contaminated food, poor storage, or handling practices. "Risk factors include pre-prepared meals stored for long hours, improper refrigeration, and eating undercooked meat or dairy. Passengers with weaker immunity, like the elderly or young children, can fall sick," warns Dr Ahmed Khan, Internal Medicine, Consultant Diabetologist & Infectious Disease Specialist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.
Dr. Khan, "It is necessary to opt for freshly cooked or sealed food, avoid raw or uncooked items, and drink bottled water. Hand hygiene is important, so use a hand sanitiser before eating. In case one has a sensitive stomach, then it will be a good idea to carry light snacks from home."