What happens if passengers are not provided with supplemental oxygen when required?

If passengers are not provided with supplemental oxygen when it is required, they may experience hypoxia, which is a condition caused by insufficient oxygen reaching the body's tissues. At higher altitudes, particularly above 12,500 feet where the atmospheric pressure is lower, the availability of oxygen in the air decreases. This can lead to impaired cognitive and physical functions, potentially resulting in serious health risks for individuals onboard an aircraft.

Hypoxia can manifest with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and even loss of consciousness, depending on the altitude and duration of exposure without adequate oxygen. Therefore, ensuring that supplemental oxygen is available and provided to passengers under such conditions is critical for maintaining their safety and well-being during flight.