London Heathrow Archives - Aviation Today

Three British Airways Pilots Fall Sick Mid-Flight Following Hyderabad Stopover

Aviation Today News Desk / July 23, 2026

London, United Kingdom: British Airways has launched an investigation after all three pilots operating Flight BA276 from Hyderabad to London […]

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways Airbus A320neo operating flight BA547 from Rome Fiumicino Airport to London Heathrow was forced to go around during its approach on July 22 after a hydraulic failure affected the aircraft's landing gear. Flight BA547, operated by an Airbus A320-251N registered G-TTNR, departed Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) for London Heathrow (LHR) on Wednesday, July 22. The flight was scheduled to arrive at Heathrow Terminal 5, with the aircraft ultimately landing safely at the airport after the crew dealt with the technical issue. Flight-tracking data confirms G-TTNR was the aircraft assigned to BA547 that day. The aircraft was on final approach to Heathrow's Runway 09L when the crew initiated a go-around after experiencing a hydraulic failure affecting the landing gear. The aircraft climbed to around 4,000 feet and entered a holding pattern before making another approach. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 09L approximately 35 minutes after the go-around. Airport emergency and fire services were positioned to assist the aircraft following the landing as a precaution because of the reported landing-gear issue. The incident also had a temporary operational impact at Heathrow. The airport briefly moved to single-runway operations while the aircraft was being dealt with on the runway. Arrivals were temporarily handled on the other runway before normal two-runway operations resumed after the aircraft was inspected and cleared. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident. Flight-tracking records show that BA547 departed Rome later than its scheduled 11:15 CEST departure time and arrived at Heathrow at about 13:45 BST, around 40 minutes behind its scheduled arrival time of 13:05 BST. The flight normally operates between Rome Fiumicino and London Heathrow, a route of roughly 1,445 kilometres. The available reports identify the problem as a hydraulic failure involving the landing gear. However, no official detailed technical explanation from British Airways, the UK Civil Aviation Authority or the UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch has been publicly identified at the time of writing. The precise cause of the hydraulic failure therefore remains unclear. The aircraft was able to complete its second approach and land safely at Heathrow, with no reported injuries. The temporary runway restrictions were subsequently lifted and airport operations returned to normal.

Incidents

British Airways Flight Reportedly Suffers Hydraulic Failure During Approach To Heathrow

Aviation Today News Desk / July 23, 2026

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways Airbus A320neo operating flight BA547 from Rome Fiumicino Airport to London Heathrow was forced

London, United Kingdom: British Airways experienced two separate precautionary turnbacks involving Boeing 777-200ER aircraft operating transatlantic services to the United States on consecutive days, with both flights returning safely to London Heathrow after crews reported technical issues. No injuries were reported in either incident, and the airline arranged alternative travel for affected passengers while engineers inspected the aircraft. The first incident occurred on July 9, involving Flight BA229 from London Heathrow (LHR) to Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). The service was operated by a Boeing 777-200ER. After departing Heathrow and proceeding westbound over the Atlantic, the crew elected to discontinue the flight because of a technical issue and returned to Heathrow as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely without further incident, and passengers were transferred to alternative flights after the aircraft was handed over to maintenance engineers for inspection. British Airways said safety remained its highest priority and apologized for the disruption. A day later, on July 10, Flight BA183 from London Heathrow to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) also returned to Heathrow following a separate technical problem. The flight, likewise operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, turned back after departing the UK and tracking over Ireland before the crew decided to return as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely at Heathrow, where engineering teams carried out inspections. Passengers were rebooked onto later services to continue their journeys. British Airways stated that both flights returned to Heathrow as a precaution following technical issues, emphasizing that safety is always its foremost priority. The carrier apologized to customers for the inconvenience and said it worked to minimize disruption by arranging replacement aircraft or alternative travel wherever possible. While flight tracking data showed both aircraft reversing course before reaching North America, the airline has not publicly disclosed the specific nature of the technical issues affecting either flight. Engineers subsequently inspected both aircraft in accordance with standard maintenance procedures before any return to service.

Incidents

British Airways Boeing 777 US Flights Turn Back On Consecutive Days Over Technical Issues

Aviation Today News Desk / July 13, 2026

London, United Kingdom: British Airways experienced two separate precautionary turnbacks involving Boeing 777-200ER aircraft operating transatlantic services to the United

Tokyo, Japan: A British Airways flight preparing to depart Tokyo Haneda Airport for London Heathrow was forced to return to its parking stand on Thursday, June 18, after a passenger's smartphone caught fire while the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff. According to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), smoke was reported from the cabin at approximately 1:10 p.m. local time. The aircraft was operating a scheduled British Airways service from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR). Japanese transport officials said the smartphone is believed to have belonged to a passenger. Cabin crew responded immediately and extinguished the fire using onboard firefighting equipment before airport emergency personnel became involved. The aircraft returned to its stand where firefighters and airline personnel carried out safety inspections. No injuries were reported among the 211 passengers and crew members on board. Authorities said the incident occurred while the aircraft was taxiing for departure and had not yet taken off. Following inspections and confirmation that the situation was under control, the flight later departed after a delay of approximately one hour. The event marks the second British Airways lithium-battery-related cabin fire incident reported within days. On June 15, British Airways Flight BA271 from London Heathrow to Las Vegas experienced a cellphone fire while crossing the Atlantic. Air traffic control recordings captured the crew reporting that the device had "scorched the inside of the cabin," although the fire was quickly contained. The Boeing 787-9 landed safely at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and no injuries were reported. Airlines and regulators have increasingly strengthened guidance on the carriage and handling of lithium battery-powered devices following a growing number of onboard battery-related incidents in recent years. Japanese authorities have not released additional details regarding the smartphone involved, including its manufacturer or model, and no investigation findings have yet been announced.

Incidents

Passenger Smartphone Fire Forces British Airways Flight Back To Parking Stand In Tokyo

Aviation Today News Desk / June 19, 2026

Tokyo, Japan: A British Airways flight preparing to depart Tokyo Haneda Airport for London Heathrow was forced to return to

Incidents

Etihad Airways Flight To London Returns To Abu Dhabi After Mid-Air Technical Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / May 21, 2026

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Etihad Airways flight EY061 from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow was forced to return to

Edinburgh, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Edinburgh declared a mid-air emergency after a co-pilot reportedly suffered a medical issue during the aircraft’s descent into the Scottish capital. The incident involved British Airways flight BA1458, operated by an Airbus A320, which departed London Heathrow Airport at around 5 p.m. local time on Monday, May 11, 2026, bound for Edinburgh Airport. The crew transmitted a “Squawk 7700” emergency code while approaching Edinburgh at approximately 13,000 feet. A Squawk 7700 signal is the internationally recognised transponder code used by pilots to declare a general emergency, alerting air traffic control and nearby aircraft that priority assistance may be required. Reports indicated that the emergency declaration was linked to the co-pilot becoming unwell inside the cockpit during the final stages of the flight. Air traffic controllers subsequently coordinated priority handling for the aircraft while emergency response teams were placed on standby at Edinburgh Airport. Despite the onboard medical situation, the aircraft continued its approach and landed safely at Edinburgh without further incident. Emergency vehicles reportedly met the aircraft on arrival as a precautionary measure while medical personnel prepared to assist the affected crew member if necessary. Passengers later disembarked normally at the gate. British Airways confirmed the aircraft landed safely and operations proceeded normally following the incident. However, the airline did not disclose additional information regarding the co-pilot’s condition or the exact nature of the medical emergency. Such alerts typically trigger immediate coordination between pilots, air traffic control authorities, airport emergency services, and medical responders to ensure operational safety. No injuries among passengers or cabin crew were reported, and airport operations at Edinburgh were not significantly disrupted following the aircraft’s arrival.

Incidents

British Airways Declares Emergency Near Edinburgh After Co-Pilot Suffers Medical Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / May 14, 2026

Edinburgh, United Kingdom: A British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Edinburgh declared a mid-air emergency after a co-pilot reportedly

Incidents

Air India Flight Makes Precautionary Diversion To Jeddah After Technical Issue

Aviation Today News Desk / March 25, 2026

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: An Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating flight AI133 from Bengaluru to London Heathrow was forced to

Incidents

British Airways Flight Declares Emergency Due To Technical Issue Minutes After Takeoff

Aviation Today News Desk / February 12, 2026

Glasgow, United Kingdom: A British Airways passenger jet bound for London Heathrow declared an emergency shortly after taking off from

London, United Kingdom: The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has formally asked Air India to provide a detailed explanation of an incident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that departed London Heathrow Airport on February 1 despite a reported anomaly with a critical aircraft system. The regulator has warned the airline that failure to respond fully within one week could trigger regulatory action affecting its Dreamliner operations. Air India flight AI132, operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered VT-ANX, departed Heathrow for Bengaluru after pilots noted irregular behaviour with a fuel control switch, a vital cockpit control that regulates fuel flow to the engines. During engine start, one of the two fuel control switches did not remain positively latched in the “RUN” position on the first two attempts before stabilising on the third. The flight continued without in-air issues and landed in Bengaluru. Upon arrival, the crew filed a defect report citing the anomaly, and the aircraft was grounded for inspection on February 2. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has taken the step of demanding a formal response from Air India, including: A comprehensive account of pre-flight maintenance actions taken before departure, A root-cause analysis of the fuel control switch event, A preventive action plan to reduce the risk of recurrence across Air India’s Dreamliner fleet, which comprises 33 aircraft. In official correspondence, the CAA emphasised that regulators routinely seek detailed explanations following incidents affecting safety-critical components, particularly when an aircraft departs with a potential defect. Air India said it conducted precautionary re-inspections of fuel control switches across its Boeing 787 fleet after the incident and reported no issues found during these checks. The airline acknowledged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversight and said it will comply with the regulator’s guidance to circulate Boeing’s recommended operating procedures for the switches to all flight crews. India’s DGCA also issued a clarification, stating that post-flight inspections determined the fuel switches were serviceable and functioning normally. According to the regulator, the switch may move if light pressure is applied in an incorrect direction, but its design does not indicate a defect when used according to approved procedures. The DGCA advised Air India to reinforce correct switch handling among pilots. Fuel control switches are crucial for aircraft safety. They allow pilots to start and shut down engines and are designed with locking mechanisms to prevent unintended movement. This category of component has been under heightened scrutiny following the June 2025 crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 in Ahmedabad, where preliminary investigation reports indicated fuel control switches played a role in dual-engine power loss shortly after takeoff. That accident, which resulted in significant loss of life, triggered industry-wide inspections and close regulatory observation of Boeing 787 systems. Though the final accident report remains pending, aviation authorities worldwide have been monitoring similar technical aspects, including fuel system controls, in current operations. Air India faces a deadline to submit its response to the UK CAA within one week of the February 4 notice. The airline has stressed safety as its utmost priority and reiterated cooperation with international regulators and Boeing in evaluating the matter.

Airlines

UK CAA Seeks Formal Explanation On Air India 787 Fuel Switch Event; DGCA Finds No Fault

Aviation Today News Desk / February 7, 2026

London, United Kingdom: The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has formally asked Air India to provide a detailed explanation of

Delhi, India: Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch mechanism, prompting a detailed inspection and coordination with the airframe manufacturer, Boeing. The aircraft, operating as AI132 from London Heathrow to Bengaluru, landed safely at its destination on February 2, after the flight crew observed abnormal behaviour in the left engine’s fuel control switch during pre-flight engine checks, according to airline officials. In a statement, Air India confirmed that a pilot flagged the issue and the aircraft was immediately taken out of service as a precautionary safety measure while the concern is investigated. The airline has informed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and engaged Boeing to prioritise a technical evaluation. “After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the aircraft and are involving the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to get the pilot’s concerns checked on a priority basis,” an Air India spokesperson said. The matter has also been formally communicated to India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA. Fuel control switches regulate the flow of fuel to an aircraft’s engines and are designed with safeguards to prevent unintended movement. On the Boeing 787, these switches must be lifted and then moved to change position, reducing the likelihood of accidental operation. However, if such a switch were to shift from thle “RUN” to the “CUTOFF” position in flight, it would immediately halt fuel flow, leading to engine shutdown. The focus on fuel control switch behaviour stems from the June 12, 2025 crash of Air India Flight AI-171, another Boeing 787-8, near Ahmedabad, which killed 260 people. A preliminary investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) found that both engine fuel control switches moved from RUN to CUTOFF in quick succession just after takeoff, resulting in dual engine power loss. That incident triggered extensive regulatory scrutiny. In July 2025, Air India announced it had completed precautionary inspections of the fuel control switch locking mechanism on all Boeing 787-8 aircraft and found no defects at the time. Following the recent pilot report, Air India has begun focused inspections of fuel control switches across its Boeing Dreamliner fleet. According to an internal company communication seen by Reuters, these checks have so far not identified a systemic issue with other aircraft. Air India has reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority. Boeing has said it is assisting with the review.

Airlines

Air India Grounds Boeing 787‑8 LDN–BLR Flight After Pilot Reports Fuel Switch Defect

Aviation Today News Desk / February 3, 2026

Delhi, India: Air India has grounded one of its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft after a pilot reported a possible defect

London Heathrow

Three British Airways Pilots Fall Sick Mid-Flight Following Hyderabad Stopover

British Airways Flight Reportedly Suffers Hydraulic Failure During Approach To Heathrow

British Airways Boeing 777 US Flights Turn Back On Consecutive Days Over Technical Issues

Passenger Smartphone Fire Forces British Airways Flight Back To Parking Stand In Tokyo

Etihad Airways Flight To London Returns To Abu Dhabi After Mid-Air Technical Issue

British Airways Declares Emergency Near Edinburgh After Co-Pilot Suffers Medical Issue

Air India Flight Makes Precautionary Diversion To Jeddah After Technical Issue

British Airways Flight Declares Emergency Due To Technical Issue Minutes After Takeoff

UK CAA Seeks Formal Explanation On Air India 787 Fuel Switch Event; DGCA Finds No Fault

Air India Grounds Boeing 787‑8 LDN–BLR Flight After Pilot Reports Fuel Switch Defect

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