Jet Airways passengers bleed mid-air as crew forgets to maintain cabin pressure

A Jet Airways flight from Mumbai to Jaipur had to be turned back mid-way during its ascent as the crew members forgot to select the 'bleed switch' that enables the plane to maintain cabin pressure. The flight 9W 697 had to be manoeuvred back as passengers on board fell sick.

According to initial reports, 30 out of the 166 passengers on board suffered nose and ear bleeding. Some even complained of headache. Oxygen masks got deployed mid-air.

The passengers are now being treated at the Mumbai airport.

A video has been shared by Twitter user Darshak Hathi, showing passengers using the deployed oxygen masks on air. He also said that all passengers are safe.

Panic situation due to technical fault in @jetairways 9W 0697 going from Mumbai to Jaipur. Flt return back to Mumbai after 45 mts. All passengers are safe including me. pic.twitter.com/lnOaFbcaps

- Darshak Hathi (@DarshakHathi) September 20, 2018

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that the crew has been taken off duty and an investigation has been initiated.

As soon as the news hit social media, furious netizens criticised Jet Airways for negligence.

A statement from the airline is still awaited.

(Edited by Anwesha Madhukalya)