30,000-ft health scare: British Airways launches probe after 3 pilots suffer food poisoning on Hyderabad-London flight
NEW DELHI: Three British Airways pilots operating a flight from Hyderabad to London fell ill after suspected food poisoning, prompting the airline to launch an investigation into the incident. One of the pilots became incapacitated while the aircraft was cruising at 30,000 feet and required oxygen and urgent medical treatment after landing.The incident occurred on British Airways flight BA276, which departed Hyderabad for London Heathrow after the crew’s overnight stopover in the city.According to Gulf News, the three pilots had breakfast together at a hotel lounge in Hyderabad before the flight. However, they reportedly consumed bottled water supplied by an external company.The first pilot became seriously unwell during the flight and was unable to continue normal duties. The other two pilots completed the journey safely, although their condition reportedly worsened as the flight progressed.The aircraft landed safely in London without any reported operational issues.British Airways has confirmed the incident and said it is reviewing the crew’s accommodation arrangements in Hyderabad. “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 in a statement.All three pilots have filed Air Safety Reports and were asked to provide medical samples to help doctors identify the source of the illness.The incident is considered highly unusual because commercial airlines follow strict safety protocols designed to prevent all members of the flight deck crew from becoming ill at the same time. These measures often include encouraging or requiring pilots to eat different meals.Food poisoning has long been recognised as a potential aviation safety risk and is one of the reasons airlines maintain strict crew meal policies.British Airways has faced similar incidents in the past. In 1984, a major food poisoning outbreak affected nearly 1,000 passengers, crew members and ground staff, disrupting the airline’s global operations. More recently, in 2024, a United Airlines flight from Incheon to San Francisco returned to South Korea after several pilots and cabin crew members became ill shortly after take-off, according to Arabian Business.
