Ethiopian Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Cabin Pressure Loss
A mid-air cabin pressure emergency forced an Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to make an emergency landing at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Flight ET640, en route from Addis Ababa to Mumbai, experienced depressurisation over the Arabian Sea. Thanks to swift crew response, all 300 passengers and 11 crew members landed safely in the early hours of June 28.
Flight ET640 was cruising over the Arabian Sea when crew detected a sudden drop in cabin pressure. In response, pilots initiated an emergency descent to a lower, breathable altitude below 10,000 feet. The aircraft, a Boeing 787-9 registered ET-AXS, landed safely at 1:55 AM IST in Mumbai. Airport medical teams received the passengers, with seven showing mild symptoms. One person was hospitalised while others were treated on-site.
The aircraft involved is part of the airline’s long-haul fleet and equipped with modern pressurisation and oxygen systems. Despite this, technical failures can still occur, which aviation experts say underlines the importance of ongoing crew training and regular aircraft checks. Safety protocols worked efficiently during the incident, showcasing the preparedness of airline staff to handle in-flight emergencies without panic or confusion.
After landing, authorities grounded the aircraft pending a detailed technical inspection. Initial assessments point to a fault in the pressurisation system. Aviation safety agencies are coordinating with airline engineers and the aircraft manufacturer to identify the cause. Investigators are examining flight data and maintenance logs to determine if there were any prior warnings or system issues before the depressurisation occurred mid-flight.
The airline has begun arranging alternative flights for stranded passengers in Mumbai. Those scheduled to transit via Addis Ababa will also be accommodated on rescheduled or alternate routes. The airline expressed gratitude to its crew and Mumbai airport teams for their timely support. This incident follows heightened scrutiny around Boeing 787 safety, though experts caution against drawing comparisons without thorough investigation.
Though rare, mid-air depressurisation incidents highlight the unpredictability of aviation systems. The safe landing of flight ET640 demonstrates the importance of swift pilot action and standard emergency protocols. Ethiopian Airlines is investigating the issue and working with safety authorities to prevent recurrence. For now, passengers are safe, and recovery operations are underway to resume their journey.
