A Mumbai-Jaipur Jet Airways flight was diverted back to Mumbai on Thursday after nearly 30 passengers on-board suffered nose and ear bleeding due to loss in cabin pressure.

The Boeing 737 aircraft, with 166 passengers and 5 crew members, landed safely in Mumbai and first aid was administered to few guests who complained of ear pain, nose bleeding, Jet Airways said in a Twitter message.

One of the passenger was admitted to Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital in suburban Vile Parle for check-up, news agency PTI reported citing a spokesperson of the hospital.

The incident happened after the flight crew forgot to turn on the switch that helps maintain cabin pressure during the ascent, according to a tweet by the news agency ANI.

The flight’s cockpit crew has been taken off scheduled duties pending investigation, the airline said adding that the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident.

"Following the air-turn back of Jet Airways’ flight 9W 697 of 20th September, 2018; 144 of the 166 guests of the original flight travelled 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 Airways’ 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 regrets the inconvenience caused to its guests," Jet Airways spokesperson said.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) also issued a statement following the flight 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 statement read.

One of the passenger Darshak Hathi, who was aboard the Jet Airways flight that was diverted, shared a video of the incident on his Twitter page.

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 Jaipur bound flight 9W 697 was scheduled to depart from Mumbai at 05:55 am. The airline said it is making alternative flight arrangements for guests on this flight.

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First Published:Sept 20, 2018 9:31 AM IST