British Airways Flight BA295, operating from London to Chicago, declared an emergency over Ireland after the Boeing 777-200ER squawked 7700 and rapidly descended from 37,000 feet to around 9,000 feet.
The aircraft had been cruising toward Chicago O’Hare when it appeared to encounter an unspecified problem roughly an hour after departure. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft transmitting the internationally recognised 7700 emergency code before making a steep descent of about 28,000 feet within minutes.
After reaching approximately 9,000 feet over Ireland, the aircraft turned back toward the UK instead of continuing across the Atlantic. It flew south of Wales and over southwestern England before making several turns over the English Channel as it headed back toward London.
The reason for the emergency has not yet been made public.
The aircraft’s extended manoeuvring over the UK and English Channel may also have been related to fuel management. A heavily fuelled wide-body returning shortly after departure may need to reduce its landing weight before returning to the airport, potentially by burning fuel while holding or, when appropriate, using fuel jettison.
The incident comes only days after the serious flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack, in which the Boeing 737-8 reportedly plunged more than 17,000 feet before diverting to Saudi Arabia.
Further details on what triggered BA295’s emergency are awaited.
