BRITISH AIRWAYS PILOTS FALL ILL WITH FOOD POISONING ON FLIGHT FROM INDIA

Three British Airways pilots became ill with food poisoning after consuming breakfast at a hotel during a stopover in Hyderabad, India. One pilot became severely unwell and required oxygen support at 30,000 feet during the subsequent 10-and-a-half-hour flight to London Heathrow. The other two pilots experienced symptoms that progressed after the aircraft landed in Britain. All three had consumed breakfast together at a hotel lounge and purchased bottled water from an outside vendor.

British Airways stated that passenger safety was not affected and that the flight operated safely throughout. The airline confirmed that one pilot became unwell during the flight but that established procedures were followed and the aircraft landed normally. British Airways launched an investigation into the incident and began reviewing crew accommodation options in Hyderabad. The pilots filed Air Safety reports and provided medical samples to identify the source of the illness. Balpa, the pilots' union, reportedly expressed concern about previous complaints regarding hygiene standards at the hotel, which costs £130 per night.

British Airways said in a statement that "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 reiterated that "the safety of our customers and crew is always our highest priority and at no point was the safety of the flight compromised." The investigation into the source of the food poisoning remains ongoing.