British Airways probes pilots illness on India flight

British Airways has launched an urgent investigation after all three pilots on a flight from Hyderabad, India, to London Heathrow were stricken by suspected food poisoning, with one pilot incapacitated and requiring supplemental oxygen at 30,000 feet. The incident occurred on a 10.5-hour flight, prompting immediate safety reports and a union outcry over repeated, unheeded warnings about hotel hygiene standards.

The pilots had shared breakfast and drinks in the lounge of their crew hotel in Hyderabad prior to departure. All three also consumed bottled water supplied by an external provider. During the flight, one first officer became so unwell they were deemed incapacitated and administered oxygen. The other two pilots continued to operate the aircraft, though their symptoms reportedly worsened after landing. The airline stated that established safety procedures were followed and the flight landed normally, with passenger safety never compromised.

Following the incident, each pilot filed an Air Safety Report. Medical professionals have requested samples from the crew in an effort to pinpoint the exact cause of the illness. One pilot required significant medical care upon arrival,...