Several British Airways pilots fell ill with suspected food poisoning following a stopover in Hyderabad, India. One pilot became incapacitated at 30,000 feet during a 10-and-a-half-hour flight to Heathrow and required supplemental oxygen. The other two pilots initially continued their duties but experienced a worsening of symptoms after the aircraft landed.
The affected pilots reportedly consumed breakfast together in a hotel lounge and drank bottled water supplied by an external vendor. Medical personnel are collecting and analyzing samples to determine the precise cause of the illness. All three pilots filed Air Safety Reports and provided samples for examination.
British Airways stated that passenger safety was not compromised during the flight, which operated normally. The airline is reviewing its crew accommodation arrangements in Hyderabad due to these isolated reports of sickness. A Boeing 777 typically carries a flight and cabin crew of 12 to 16 individuals, serving approximately 300 to 400 passengers.
The Pilots' union Balpa has been contacted for comment.