Mumbai, June 24:
A possible case of food poisoning has been reported aboard an Air India flight from London to Mumbai, after 11 individuals—including several cabin crew members—fell ill mid-flight on June 23. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a formal investigation into the incident.
Flight AI 130, operating between London Heathrow and Mumbai, experienced a medical situation when several crew members began to feel unwell during the journey. Symptoms reportedly included nausea, stomach discomfort, and dizziness, raising concerns about the in-flight catering service.
Upon arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai shortly after midnight, medical teams were deployed to attend to the affected individuals. Ambulances were stationed at the airport in advance, and the sick crew members received immediate care. No passengers were reported to be seriously affected.
Air India issued a brief statement confirming that some operating crew on the flight reported health issues and were provided with medical support upon landing. The airline assured that it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities to determine the cause of the incident.
The DGCA has since collected food samples from the flight for testing and has requested a detailed report from Air India regarding the catering arrangements for AI 130. Authorities are specifically examining the food supplied at the London base to check for any lapses in hygiene or storage.
A senior official familiar with the matter stated that preliminary assessments point to possible contamination of onboard meals. “Our investigation will focus on food handling procedures, storage conditions, and safety compliance. Appropriate measures will be taken if any violations are found,” the official said.
While health-related incidents onboard aircraft are relatively uncommon, they can have significant implications, especially when involving operational crew. Experts stress the need for rigorous checks in in-flight catering services to prevent such occurrences.
The event comes amid Air India’s broader efforts to revamp its operations and improve service quality under Tata Group ownership. The airline has been investing in enhancing passenger experience, including meal services, as part of its strategic turnaround.
The final findings from the investigation are expected to shape future safety protocols related to in-flight meals, with potential implications across the Indian aviation sector.
