Cabin pressurization issue forces Jet Airways Boeing 737 to Jaipur to head back to Mumbai

On 20 September, a Jet Airways Boeing 737-800 (VT-JGS) from Mumbai to Jaipur as 9W-697 climbed up to 10,000 feet but headed back to Mumbai after several passengers complained about nosebleeds and ear pain. An issue with the cabin pressurization forced to oxygen masks to deploy, medical services awaited the 166 passengers and 5 crew members. 

Several news sources in India explain that – allegedly – the pilots (*) forgot to select bleed switch thus the pressure in the cabin couldn’t be maintained, but a preliminary statement of the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry only speaks of “an incident of failure to maintain cabin pressure.” However, Jet Airways took the pilots off-duty until pending investigation.

(*) some news sites even mention that the cabin crew! forgot to pressurize the cabin …

On the incident, Jet Airways issued a statement: “Jet Airways flight 9W-697 Mumbai to Jaipur of 20th September 2018, made an air turn back due to loss in cabin pressure. The B737 aircraft, with 166 guests and 5 crew landed normally in Mumbai. All guests were deplaned safely and take to the terminal. First aid was administered to few guests who complained of ear pain, bleeding nose, etc…

The flight’s cockpit crew has been taken off scheduled duties pending investigation. The airline is making alternative flight arrangements for guests on this flight. Jet Airways regrets the inconvenience caused to its guests.”