Three pilots fall ill on 10-hour flight

Three pilots operating a British Airways flight from Hyderabad, India, to London Heathrow Airport fell ill during the flight due to suspected food poisoning. While one of the pilots became incapacitated, the other two pilots in the cockpit completed the approximately 10.5-hour flight and landed the aircraft safely in London.

It was reported that the incident occurred on flight BA276, which was operated by a Boeing 777-200 aircraft. According to information reflected in the British press, one of the co-pilots became severely ill while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet, or 9,100 meters. The pilot was provided with oxygen support on board.

It was stated that the other two pilots in the cockpit also showed similar symptoms but were able to continue their duties. The symptoms reportedly persisted throughout the flight, and the pilots' conditions worsened after landing in the UK.

FLIGHT COMPLETED SAFELY

British Airways stated that flight safety was not compromised during the incident. The company announced that the aircraft continued its journey in accordance with existing safety procedures and landed at its destination normally.

It was learned that the pilots had stayed overnight in Hyderabad before the flight and had breakfast together in the hotel lounge in the morning. It was noted that the three pilots consumed food and drinks at the same place and also drank bottled water provided by an external company.

It has not yet been clarified whether the illness originated from the breakfast, the drinks, the bottled water, or another source. The exact cause of the illness has not been confirmed as test results have not been released.

Following the incident, it was reported that all three pilots prepared an "Air Safety Report," which is recorded for aviation safety purposes. Biological samples were taken from the pilots to determine the source of the illness.

Sources close to the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) alleged that there had been past hygiene complaints regarding the hotel where the crew stayed. The name of the hotel was not shared with the public; these allegations have not been verified by independent sources.

It was reported that British Airways has begun re-evaluating the accommodation used for flight crews in Hyderabad following the development. The company emphasized that the health and safety of its employees are among its top priorities.

News Source: 12punto