Ahmedabad, June 13:
A woman narrowly avoided a mid-air emergency after arriving just ten minutes late for Air India’s Ahmedabad-to-London flight AI 171, which later faced a serious technical issue mid-flight. The incident has drawn fresh attention to aviation safety procedures and the unpredictability of air travel.
The passenger, identified as Bhoomi, was traveling back to London, where she resides with her husband. According to sources, she encountered delays due to traffic and extended security checks at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. By the time she reached the boarding gate, it had already been closed.
While Bhoomi was initially disappointed about missing her flight, the mood shifted dramatically once news emerged that the same aircraft experienced an in-flight technical malfunction. The Air India flight, operated using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was forced to make an unscheduled landing after experiencing cabin pressurization problems.
Reports indicate that oxygen masks were deployed as the aircraft descended to a lower altitude. Passengers on board described moments of distress, citing breathing difficulties and visible panic. The flight crew responded according to emergency protocols and managed to stabilize the aircraft before executing a safe landing at a designated alternate airport.
Air India released a statement confirming that all passengers and crew members were unharmed. The airline also noted that the aircraft had passed standard maintenance checks before departure. Nevertheless, a detailed internal investigation has been initiated to identify the cause of the malfunction.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s top aviation regulator, has also begun a probe into the incident. Officials are expected to examine technical logs, maintenance records, and crew response reports as part of the review.
This incident comes at a time when passenger safety and airline accountability are under increasing scrutiny. Aviation experts have pointed out the importance of rigorous inspections and real-time system monitoring, especially for long-haul international routes.
Family members of Bhoomi have described the turn of events as nothing short of a “miraculous escape.” A relative stated, “Had she arrived a few minutes earlier, she would have been on that flight. We’re beyond relieved.”
As investigations continue, the event has sparked broader conversations on flight safety, emergency readiness, and the unpredictable nature of travel. Air India has assured full cooperation with regulatory authorities and reiterated its commitment to maintaining high safety standards.
