3 British Airways Pilots Fall Ill on Hyderabad–London Flight

Hyderabad:Three pilots of a British Airways flight from Hyderabad to London fell ill mid-air, one of them requiring oxygen support, prompting an inquiry after the aircraft landed safely at Heathrow Airport. The flight, BA 276, had taken off from the Shamshabad airport after the crew had breakfast at a hotel in the city.

According to the airline, a first officer became “incapacitated” at around 30,000 ft during the 10-and-a-half-hour flight and was administered oxygen. The other two pilots continued operating the flight despite worsening symptoms after landing.

A British Airways spokesperson said, “One of our pilots became unwell during the flight. Following established procedures, the aircraft continued to its destination and landed safely. At no stage was the safety of passengers or crew compromised.”

“The welfare of our colleagues remains a priority, and we are reviewing crew accommodation in Hyderabad following isolated reports of illness,” the airline added.

Union members of the British Airline Pilots’ Association told British newspaper, ‘The Sun’, which first reported the incident, that there had been previous complaints about hygiene at the hotel where the crew stayed. They said the pilots had shared breakfast and drinks before departure and later filed Air Safety Reports, with samples collected to identify the cause.

Sources said the crew had stayed at a hotel in Hyderabad’s financial district. Authorities have initiated a probe to determine the cause of the illness. The incident has led the airline to review its accommodation arrangements for crew in the city.

Asked about the dangers of possible food contamination affecting the flying crew, former Air India captain Anil Kumar told Deccan Chronicle such incidents were not uncommon. “Pilots, including those from India, have previously reported food poisoning and illness during international flights,” he said.

He added that long-haul flights typically have three pilots — a captain, co-pilot and relief pilot — and that protocols are in place for such situations.

Hotel industry representatives maintained that standard safety practices are followed. Ajit Singh Garcha said establishments maintain strict hygiene protocols through regular checks and audits.