Ahmedabad airport: Qatar Airways Doha-Hong Kong flight declares 'full emergency' after cabin pressure loss

AHMEDABAD: A major emergency was declared at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad on Tuesday afternoon after a Qatar Airways flight en route from Doha to Hong Kong reported a sudden loss of cabin pressure.The Boeing 777 aircraft, operating as flight QR 816, was flying over Indian airspace when the crew declared a ‘full emergency’ following the malfunction of all pressure equipment on board. The aircraft, bearing registration number A7-BOB, was ferrying passengers from Doha, Qatar, to Hong Kong. Upon receiving the distress message at 2.12 pm, Ahmedabad Air Traffic Control (ATC) cleared the aircraft for priority landing.The airport’s emergency protocol was activated immediately, with multiple fire tenders and ambulances stationed along the runway. Fire tenders from the Chandkheda fire station were also deployed to the site as a precautionary measure.

The aircraft landed safely at 2:32 pm and was guided to Stand 36, as is learnt from sources. The airport authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe and that no injuries were reported.

“The passengers have been deplaned and are being served refreshments. The full emergency was officially withdrawn at 2.38 pm after technical teams carried out preliminary checks,” said a source privy to the development.Airport sources said the pilot declared the emergency after detecting a sharp reduction in cabin pressure readings, prompting an immediate descent and diversion to the nearest suitable airport. Technical inspection of the aircraft is currently underway. Passengers were deplaned and accommodated at the terminal building as the airline initiated arrangements for onward travel. The incident caused a brief alert at SVPIA, but operations resumed normally soon after the emergency was withdrawn.