3 British Airways pilots fall ill after food poisoning during Hyderabad stopover

One of the pilots became incapacitated during the flight to London, prompting the airline to review the incident and its crew accommodation.

In Short

• One pilot became incapacitated at 30,000 feet and was given oxygen during the flight
• British Airways reviews Hyderabad crew hotel after all three pilots reported falling ill
• Flight landed safely at Heathrow despite the medical emergency in the cockpit

British Airways has launched an investigation after three of its pilots reportedly suffered food poisoning following a stopover in Hyderabad, with one of the crew members becoming incapacitated during the flight to London Heathrow, the Daily Mirror reported.

The incident involved British Airways flight BA276 from Hyderabad to London. According to reports, the cockpit crew had stayed overnight in Hyderabad before operating the long-haul service. All three pilots reportedly fell ill after eating breakfast before the flight, with one of the first officers collapsing at around 30,000 feet and requiring oxygen during the journey.

Despite feeling unwell, the remaining two pilots continued operating the aircraft, which landed safely at London Heathrow. Their condition deteriorated after landing, prompting the airline to begin an internal investigation into what caused the illness.

According to Gulf News, British Airways is reviewing the hotel used to accommodate its flight crews in Hyderabad as part of the probe. The airline is also investigating whether food consumed before departure or another source may have caused the illness. Biological samples have reportedly been collected, while all three pilots have filed Air Safety Reports.

In a statement, British Airways said the safety and wellbeing of its employees remain its top priority and stressed that flight safety was never compromised during the incident. The airline described the illnesses as isolated and said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the case.

The incident has also revived concerns raised by the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) over hygiene standards at the Hyderabad hotel where British Airways crews have been staying. Reports said the union had previously flagged concerns about the accommodation, which is now under review as investigators work to establish the exact cause of the food poisoning incident.

- Ends