In a major life threatening blunder, Jet Airways crew forgot to press a switch to maintain air pressure, forcing a Mumbai-Jaipur flight with 166 passengers on board to return to Mumbai.

Oxygen masks dropped mid air as Jet Airways flight from Mumbai to Jaipur experienced sudden loss of air pressure, leaving at least 30 passengers bleeding from nose and ear. Passengers aboard the flight claim there were no announcements made and there were no staff to help with the situation.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Civil Aviation has initiated an inquiry into the incident. “MoCA has taken cognizance of the incident in flight 9W 697 earlier today and has requested DGCA to file its report immediately on the issue. The crew is being derostered. Of the 166 people on board, 30 were affected and have been given treatment,” the ministry said in a statement.

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu has also directed officials to prepare a comprehensive safety audit plan involving assessment of safety parameters of all scheduled airlines, aerodromes, flying training schools and MROs with immediate effect.

“In view of the incidents reported related to the safety of the passengers, Suresh Prabhu has directed concerned officials to prepare a comprehensive safety audit plan which involves assessment of safety parameters of all scheduled airlines, airports, flying training schools and MROs (companies doing maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft) immediately. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been asked to do it. The minister has further directed that safety audit should be commenced forthwith and a report to this effect should be submitted for his perusal within 30 days. He said that corrective action should be taken on the deficiencies found out, if any, during such audit,” Prabhu’s office said.

Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is conducting an enquiry into the incident. The impact of the incident has left at least five passengers tempororily deaf as they suffered barotrauma, caused by difference in air pressure. They were treated at Mumbai’s Nanavati Hospital.

Meanwhile the airline has taken the cockpit crew off duty and initiated an inquiry into the incident. “Following the air turn back of Jet Airways’ flight 9W 697 of 20th September 2018, 144 of 166 guests of the original flight traveled to Jaipur via an alternative flight of the airline, while 17 of them wished to travel at another point in time. 5 guests who were referred to a hospital for additional medical check-up accompanied by the Jet Aiways’ Care team have since been released, post medical examination. The airline will continue to offer necessary medical care and attention to the concerned guests as required. Jet Airways is also extending full cooperation to the DGCA for the ongoing investigation of the event,” Jet Airways said in a statement.

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