Air India London–Ahmedabad flight diverted to Dubai after medical emergency, journey terminated

An Air India flight operating from London’s Gatwick airport to Ahmedabad was diverted to Dubai on Wednesday after a passenger onboard suffered a medical emergency, the airline said.

Flight AI160, which left London on February 4, was diverted mid-air to facilitate immediate medical attention for the ailing passenger. Upon landing in Dubai, the passenger was disembarked and handed over to medical authorities, Air India said in a statement.

However, the aircraft could not resume its onward journey to Ahmedabad due to operational constraints. According to the airline, a pre-scheduled Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) temporarily prohibiting flight operations at Ahmedabad airport prevented the flight from departing immediately from Dubai.

As a result of the delay, the operating crew exceeded the permissible Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, which mandate rest periods to ensure flight safety. “Consequently, the flight has been terminated at Dubai,” an Air India spokesperson said.

The airline expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers, describing the situation as unforeseen. Air India said its ground staff in Dubai were providing assistance to all passengers, including hotel accommodation, while alternative arrangements were being made to fly them to Ahmedabad at the earliest.

“At Air India, the safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our top priority,” the spokesperson added.

Airport and airline officials said further details regarding the rescheduled travel plans would be communicated to passengers directly.