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Following aviation safety protocols, Qatar Airways flight QR816 from Doha to Hong Kong made a precautionary emergency landing at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) on Tuesday afternoon. The Boeing 777-300ER, registered as A7-BOB, landed without incident at around 2:30 pm, with all 365 passengers and 18 crew members reported safe.

The incident occurred when the wide-body jet was passing over Indian airspace en route to Hong Kong International Airport. At approximately 2:12 am, the flight crew detected a sudden malfunction in the pressurization system, prompting Air Traffic Control (ATC) to immediately declare a “complete emergency.” Ahmedabad ATC responded immediately and allowed the aircraft to land on priority basis amid high alert.

The SVPIA activated its major emergency plan and deployed fire engines, ambulances and medical teams to the runway. Additional support from Chandkheda fire station further strengthened the response and allowed no lapse in control. Qatar Airways confirmed the diversion in an official statement: “Flight QR816 landed safely in Ahmedabad due to a technical issue. All occupants on board the aircraft are safe and our engineering teams are conducting a thorough inspection.”

Eyewitnesses at the airport described a tense but orderly situation, with passengers deboarding the plane peacefully under the guidance of the airline. The plane, which took off from Doha’s Hamad International Airport at 9:00 am local time, had covered a distance of more than 3,000 kilometers before the malfunction. Initial reports point to a malfunction in the pressurization system—which is common in high-altitude flights but not serious—although a full investigation is underway by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Qatar’s maintenance team.

This incident reflects the strength of global air travel safety measures, where no casualties occurred due to swift coordination between the crew, ATC and ground services. Qatar Airways, a five-star airline, has reiterated its commitment to the safety of passengers and has arranged accommodation and alternative flights for those affected. Resumption of flights is still pending, as inspections are ongoing, but experts expect the situation to return to normal soon.

In recent months, similar technical glitches have sparked proactive aviation responses, ranging from broken windshields to brake problems, strengthening confidence in a modern fleet. Passengers are advised to keep an eye on Qatar Airways updates for rebooking options.