Food poisoning hits British Airways pilots on Hyderabad-London flight

Dhaka: British Airways has launched an investigation after three of its pilots fell ill with suspected food poisoning during a flight from Hyderabad to London, with one becoming incapacitated mid-air.

The incident took place aboard British Airways flight BA276, which departed Hyderabad for London Heathrow following the crew's overnight stay in the city.

The three pilots reportedly had breakfast together at a hotel lounge in Hyderabad, where they consumed bottled water supplied by an external vendor.

While cruising at 30,000 feet, one of the pilots became seriously unwell and was unable to carry out normal duties, requiring oxygen and urgent medical attention after landing. The remaining two pilots completed the flight, though their condition reportedly deteriorated as the journey continued.

The aircraft landed safely at Heathrow without any operational disruptions.

British Airways confirmed the incident and said it is reviewing crew 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 filed Air Safety Reports and were asked to submit medical samples to help identify the source of the illness.

Aviation experts consider the case highly unusual, since airlines typically enforce strict protocols to prevent all flight deck crew members from falling ill simultaneously, including requirements for pilots to eat different meals.

Food poisoning has long been viewed as a potential aviation safety hazard, prompting carriers to maintain strict crew meal policies.

British Airways has dealt with similar episodes before. In 1984, a widespread food poisoning outbreak affected nearly 1,000 passengers, crew, and ground staff, disrupting the airline's global operations.