Air India, which is always in the news, for the several reasons in the past, is again in the news now. But this time, the news is something, which even, Air India would not have expected.   

After a rat was found in the passenger cabin, Mumbai to London, Air India flight, was forced to return three hours into its journey, yesterday.

A flyer spotted the rodent when AI131 was flying over Tehran. The commander decided to turn the flight back, since pushing onward to London, would have taken an hour longer, than it would to return to Mumbai.  

Sharing the experience with the media, the commander said, “The rat on board an aircraft calls for landing as a precautionary measure because it's not known if it has nibbled on electronics or electrical wiring.”

A standby aircraft in Mumbai later flew the passengers in it, to London. A source in the aviation sector said that, rodents mostly sneak into aircraft, by hiding in carts carrying food.
“Generally, after all passengers have board, an aircraft is 'sealed' and inert gas sprayed to ensure there are no rodents scurrying around,” one of the aviation officials added.

Keeping in mind, the safety of the passengers in the aircraft, it was brought back, even though the presence of the rodent was not confirmed.  

The aviation official added, “Our engineering team is investigating the incident. The aircraft will be fumigated.”

By Phani Ch