- All three pilots operating British Airways flight BA276 from Hyderabad to London Heathrow fell ill midair, with one becoming incapacitated at 30,000 ft due to suspected food poisoning.
- The first pilot required oxygen during the flight and needed urgent medical treatment upon landing in London after becoming seriously unwell.
- Despite experiencing symptoms, the remaining two pilots managed to operate the flight safely, although their conditions worsened during the journey.
- British Airways stated that passenger safety was never compromised and emphasized that established operational procedures ensured the aircraft reached its destination without risk to passengers.
- Following the incident, British Airways launched an investigation and is reviewing crew accommodation in Hyderabad due to isolated reports of sickness.
- The pilots reportedly had breakfast together at their hotel in Hyderabad before the flight and consumed bottled water supplied by an external company, which investigators are examining as potential sources of their illness.
- All three pilots filed air safety reports and were asked to provide samples to help determine the cause of their illness.
- Concerns have been raised by the British Airline Pilots' Association regarding hygiene standards at the hotel where the pilots were accommodated, with previous complaints reported.
British Airways is conducting an investigation after all three pilots of flight BA276 from Hyderabad to London Heathrow fell ill midair, with one pilot incapacitated at 30,000 feet. The incident, attributed to suspected food poisoning, occurred after an overnight stopover in Hyderabad.12789101314
The first pilot became seriously unwell during the flight, requiring oxygen and urgent medical treatment upon landing. Despite experiencing symptoms, the other two pilots managed to land the aircraft safely, although their conditions worsened during the flight. British Airways stated that passenger safety was never compromised, emphasizing that established operational procedures ensured the aircraft reached its destination without risk to passengers.34
Initial reports indicate that the pilots had breakfast together at their hotel in Hyderabad and consumed bottled water from an external supplier. Investigators are examining whether these could have contributed to their illness. All three pilots have filed Air Safety Reports and provided medical samples to help identify the cause of their symptoms.1112
In response to the incident, British Airways is reviewing its crew accommodation arrangements in Hyderabad, following previous complaints about hygiene standards at the hotel. A source familiar with the situation noted, “An urgent investigation has been launched as this must not happen again.” The findings of the internal review are expected to determine necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) has raised concerns over the episode, highlighting the need for improved hygiene standards for crew accommodations.1516
“British Airways is reviewing crew accommodation in Hyderabad and has launched an investigation into suspected food poisoning. The pilots had breakfast together and drank bottled water from an external supplier; one pilot required a 12-hour operation after landing.”
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