British Airways flight declares emergency over Ireland, turns back to London

Dubai: A British Airways flight bound for Chicago has turned back towards London after declaring an emergency and making a steep descent while flying over Ireland.

According to aviation news network AIRLIVE, Flight BA295, operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, departed London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 at 11:50am local time for Chicago O’Hare International Airport. About an hour into the flight, the aircraft had reached an altitude of 37,000 feet when it began a rapid descent over Irish airspace.

Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft dropping to around 9,000 feet within minutes before turning back towards Heathrow.

The crew also transmitted the international emergency code 7700, which indicates a general emergency. The aircraft later stabilised at about 9,000 feet and continued towards London.

Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 confirmed the incident in a post on X, saying BA295 was “squawking 7700” and had descended to 9,000 feet over Ireland.

No injuries have been reported among passengers or crew. Emergency response teams at potential diversion airports were also placed on standby as a precaution while the aircraft returned to the UK.

The exact nature of the problem that prompted the emergency declaration and the steep descent has not been disclosed.

British Airways has yet to provide further details about the incident or confirm whether the flight will be rescheduled for Chicago.