LONDON — A British Airways flight from Dublin to London Heathrow declared an in-flight emergency on Tuesday morning while cruising over North-West England, forcing the aircraft to make a rapid descent before continuing to its destination at a lower altitude.
Flight BA825, operated by an Airbus A321neo with registration G-TNEI, departed Dublin Airport (DUB) on schedule at 8:45 AM. Shortly after reaching its cruising altitude, the flight crew issued a squawk 7700 code—the international signal for a general emergency—while positioned near Liverpool.
Flight tracking data shows the aircraft executed a controlled descent down to 8,000 feet. The crew stabilized the twin-jet at the lower altitude, holding pattern parameters while assessing the situation alongside air traffic control.
Despite the operational alert, the aircraft maintained its heading toward London Heathrow (LHR), remaining low as it proceeded along its flight path to ensure maximum safety.
The identity of the operational anomaly—whether related to cabin pressurization, engine performance, or an onboard medical situation—has not yet been formally confirmed by the airline.
Emergency ground services at London Heathrow were alerted and briefed to standby for the aircraft’s arrival per standard protocol for 7700 declarations.
This is a breaking story and will be updated as further details from air traffic management and British Airways become available.
UDPATE 09:36 BST
The flight is on final approach to runway 27L at LHR.
UPDATE 09:40 BST
Touch down.
UPDATE 09:48 BST
The aircraft taxied to a remote stand of terminal 5.
