Chaos at 30,000 Feet: Air India Flight Rocked by Suspected Food Poisoning Just Weeks After Fatal Crash

In yet another unsettling incident for India’s flagship carrier, up to 11 passengers and crew reportedly fell ill from suspected food poisoning on an Air India flight traveling from London to Mumbai — adding to a growing list of crises plaguing the airline in recent weeks.

The nine-hour overnight journey aboard a Boeing 777 turned alarming mid-flight as passengers began experiencing dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, forcing cabin crew to issue urgent medical alerts while still in the air. Though the aircraft landed safely in Mumbai, the ordeal has only intensified scrutiny on Air India, which has been reeling from a series of recent mishaps — including a deadly crash in Ahmedabad earlier this month.

Passengers Fall Ill Mid-Flight

Air India Flight AI-130 departed London Heathrow on Monday night, destined for Mumbai with what should have been a routine long-haul journey. But according to reports from both passengers and insiders, around 11 people — including up to six crew members — showed symptoms of foodborne illness at various points during the flight.

In an official statement, Air India confirmed that five passengers and two cabin crew became sick, describing symptoms including vertigo and severe nausea. The airline’s in-flight medical teams were placed on standby prior to landing, and upon arrival in Mumbai, four individuals were taken to the airport’s medical facility for further evaluation.

They were later discharged after treatment, and no critical conditions were reported. However, the unsettling nature of the incident has sparked concern among travelers and regulators alike.

“We are actively investigating the cause and have informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation,” Air India said in a statement to Hindustan Times. “Our top priority remains passenger safety.”

Suspected Cause: Contaminated Food

While initial speculation pointed to a possible cabin pressurization issue, experts quickly dismissed that theory, noting that oxygen masks did not deploy and that the pilots remained unaffected throughout the flight.

One aviation source familiar with onboard safety procedures noted that while pilots often eat the same meals as passengers, commanders and first officers typically receive food prepared in different kitchens — a long-standing industry precaution to prevent simultaneous foodborne illness among the flight deck crew.

With pressurization issues ruled out and multiple people affected, contaminated food now appears to be the leading cause of the mid-air illness.

A Pattern of Disruption

The unsettling incident comes on the heels of a devastating crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, which killed all but one person aboard. That flight, Air India AI171, plunged into a building moments after takeoff, leaving 270 dead and sparking international headlines.

Footage from the wreckage showed the tail of the aircraft lodged in the upper floors of a residential structure, with investigators still working to determine the precise cause. Multiple theories have been floated — from bird strikes and technical malfunctions to wing flap misconfigurations and heat-related lift issues.

In the aftermath, three top Air India officials were dismissed for “systemic failures,” and regulators launched a wide-reaching review of the airline’s operational safety.

And yet, the string of crises continues.

Bomb Threat Derails Another Flight

Only a day before the food poisoning scare, another Air India flight — this one en route from Birmingham to Delhi — was forced to divert to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a mid-air bomb threat.

Flight AI114, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, took off at 8:26 PM on June 21. According to passenger reports, the aircraft had been flying normally when suddenly its course changed dramatically. Confused passengers were later informed the plane had received a credible threat and had to land immediately.

Upon landing in Riyadh, standard security protocols were enacted. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated and underwent thorough screening. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the source of the threat.

Public Confidence Wavers

As these incidents pile up, public trust in Air India has taken a hit. Social media platforms have been flooded with concerns from passengers and calls for government intervention. Aviation analysts say the frequency of operational failures is alarming for a major international carrier.

“In any airline, you expect isolated issues — a delay here, a mechanical fault there,” said aviation expert Rakesh Mendiratta. “But when you start to see systemic lapses in food safety, flight protocols, and emergency handling, it raises red flags about management oversight and safety culture.”

Investigations Underway

Air India has stated that a full internal probe is underway regarding the food poisoning incident. Meal samples have reportedly been sent for laboratory testing, and the airline is working closely with both Indian and international food vendors to audit hygiene standards.

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has requested a detailed report and will monitor in-flight food safety procedures on long-haul flights more closely going forward.

The civil aviation ministry has also come under pressure to address growing safety concerns. With India’s aviation sector expanding rapidly, maintaining international safety standards is considered critical — both for public confidence and global reputation.

A Crisis of Confidence — or a Turning Point?

For Air India, the past month has tested its resilience like never before. From a catastrophic crash to suspected food contamination and bomb threats, the national carrier now faces a reputational crisis that could take months — or years — to repair.

The airline’s new management team, appointed after its privatization, has vowed to reform operations and improve safety across the board. But with one high-profile incident after another making headlines, passengers are watching closely to see whether words will translate into action.

For now, all eyes are on the investigation — and on the airline’s next move.