In a concerning incident, all three pilots operating British Airways flight BA276 from Hyderabad to London Heathrow reportedly fell ill with suspected food poisoning after an overnight layover in Hyderabad. During the journey, one of the pilots is said to have become severely unwell at an altitude of nearly 30,000 feet, leaving them unable to carry out their duties for the remainder of the flight.
3 British Airways Pilots Fall Sick Mid-Air After Hyderabad Stopover
According to The Sun, all three pilots operating the British Airways flight from Hyderabad to London reportedly fell ill mid-flight due to suspected food poisoning. One of the pilots became so unwell that he had to be administered oxygen during the flight. After landing at London Heathrow, he was taken for medical treatment and later underwent a 12-hour operation.
The remaining two pilots, who were also reportedly experiencing symptoms, continued to operate the flight as their condition deteriorated during the journey. Despite the incident, British Airways stated that passenger safety was never at risk and that the flight was operated safely throughout.
The airline also added in their statement, “The welfare of our colleagues is a top priority, and we are reviewing crew accommodation in this location following some isolated reports of sickness.”
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Airline Launches Probe
Several reports indicate that the three pilots had breakfast together at their hotel in Hyderabad before departing for their flight to London and also consumed bottled water supplied by an external vendor. While the exact cause of their illness is yet to be confirmed, The Sun reported that the incident has sparked concern within the British Airline Pilots’ Association.
According to sources cited by the publication, the association has raised questions over the accommodation arrangements, alleging that there had been previous complaints about hygiene standards at the same hotel.
Following the incident, all three pilots submitted mandatory air safety reports and were asked to provide samples as part of the investigation into the suspected food poisoning. British Airways is also reviewing its hotel arrangements in Hyderabad while the inquiry continues to determine the cause of the pilots’ illness.
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We hope the pilots feel better soon!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What happened on the British Airways Hyderabad-London flight?
All three pilots operating British Airways flight BA276 from Hyderabad to London Heathrow reportedly fell ill mid-flight due to suspected food poisoning. One of the pilots became seriously unwell and required oxygen during the flight.
What is believed to have caused the pilots' illness?
The exact cause has not been confirmed. However, reports suggest the pilots may have suffered suspected food poisoning after having breakfast together at their hotel in Hyderabad before the flight.
Did the flight land safely?
Yes, despite the pilots falling ill, the flight landed safely at London Heathrow. British Airways stated that passenger safety was never compromised.
