Mid-air drama: Three pilots suffer food poisoning on British Airways flight
Three British Airways pilots traveling from India to London suffered from food poisoning during the flight, with one requiring oxygen. The airline is investigating the incident and reviewing crew accommodation policies in the region.
An unusual incident occurred on British Airways flight BA276 from Hyderabad to Heathrow Airport last month. Three pilots suffered from food poisoning during the flight, one of whom was declared unfit to continue his duties and required oxygen until landing in London, where medical assistance was waiting.
Due to the 11-hour duration of the flight, three pilots were assigned to the mission to allow for rest. According to reports, one pilot began to feel unwell at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet. His condition deteriorated to the point where he was incapacitated, and crew members provided him with oxygen for the remainder of the flight. The other two pilots also developed symptoms consistent with food poisoning but continued to operate the aircraft in accordance with safety procedures; their condition worsened after landing in the UK.
The three pilots had eaten breakfast together in the hotel lounge where the crew stayed in Hyderabad and consumed mineral water provided by an external supplier. Investigators are currently determining whether the source of the poisoning was the breakfast, the water, or another factor. British Airways stated there is no indication that the food served on the plane caused the incident.
The British Airline Pilots' Association expressed frustration, claiming that crew members had warned the company dozens of times about hygiene issues at the hotel in Hyderabad. The association criticized the company for dismissing previous complaints as isolated incidents. Following the event, British Airways moved its flight crews to a different five-star hotel in the city.
A company spokesperson stated that the well-being of employees is a top priority and confirmed that the airline is re-evaluating accommodation and catering arrangements in the region. The pilots submitted safety reports and provided samples for investigation. British Airways emphasized that while one pilot was incapacitated and two others felt unwell, passenger safety was never compromised, as the presence of a third pilot allowed the flight to proceed according to standard procedures.
