Airline reviews crew accommodation as safety reports trigger internal inquiry
LONDON: British Airways has launched an internal investigation after all three pilots operating Flight BA276 from Hyderabad, India, to London Heathrow reportedly fell ill with suspected food poisoning following an overnight stopover.
According to reports, one of the pilots became incapacitated during the flight at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet. Crew members reportedly placed the pilot on supplemental oxygen before arranging immediate medical treatment upon the aircraft’s arrival in London.
Meanwhile, the two remaining pilots continued operating the flight despite developing symptoms, which reportedly worsened as the journey progressed. The incident has prompted the airline to review the circumstances surrounding the crew’s stay in Hyderabad.
Investigation focuses on possible source of illness
Reports said the pilots had eaten breakfast together at their hotel before departing for the airport. They also reportedly consumed bottled water supplied by an external company. However, investigators have not confirmed whether either source caused the illness.
All three pilots submitted Air Safety Reports after the flight and were asked to provide medical samples to help determine the cause of the suspected food poisoning, according to reports.
British Airways has not disclosed the identity of the hotel involved or confirmed the source of the illness.
Airline reviews accommodation arrangements
In a statement, British Airways said the health and welfare of its employees remain a top priority.
“The welfare of our colleagues is a top priority, and we are reviewing crew accommodation in this location following some isolated reports of sickness,” the airline said.
The carrier added that it is examining accommodation arrangements for flight crews in Hyderabad as part of its internal review.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached regarding the origin of the reported illnesses. British Airways has also not indicated whether any operational changes will be introduced pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The incident has drawn attention to airline crew health protocols, with investigators expected to determine whether environmental or food-related factors contributed to the pilots’ illness.
British Airways has launched an investigation after all three pilots operating flight BA276 from Hyderabad, India, to London Heathrow, England, reportedly suffered food poisoning following an overnight stopover.
The first pilot was rendered ‘incapacitated’ at 30,000 ft and had… pic.twitter.com/b4HkzRgLe6
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