LONDON — A transatlantic British Airways flight heading to Chicago has declared an emergency mid-flight following a sudden and steep descent while flying over Ireland.
British Airways Flight BA295, operated by a 30 year-old Boeing 777-200ER registered as G-VIIA, took off from London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 at 11:50 AM today for its scheduled 8-hour and 40-minute flight to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
Approximately one hour after departure, after climbing to a cruising altitude of 37,000 feet, the aircraft experienced an unexpected operational issue. Air traffic tracking data indicates that the long-haul twin-jet initiated a rapid descent, dropping 28,000 feet to an altitude of 9,000 feet within minutes.
Shortly after beginning the steep descent, the flight crew issued a squawk 7700 code, the international aviation signal for a general emergency.
The standard protocol for controlled rapid descents to lower altitudes (typically below 10,000 feet) often indicates a cabin depressurization event.
As of writing, the Boeing 777 remains airborne over central Ireland and continuing straight ahead while the flight crew coordinates with air traffic control. The pilots are evaluating options to either make an emergency diversion.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
UPDATE 12:11 UTC
Now making a U-turn, still holding 9,000 feet.
UPDATE 12:15 UTC
We have confirmation flight BA295 is returning to London Heathrow but no fuel jettison, 30T fuel on board.
UDPATE 12:58 UTC
To burn more fuel in order to reduce the weight, the crew will lower the landing gear while flying in the holding pattern.
UPDATE 13:24 UTC
The airline is scheduling a new departure at 15:00 local time. However this EDT will be impossible to respect.
UDPATE 14:00 UTC
New departure scheduled for 17:30 local time.
UPDATE 15:26 UTC
After burning 30T of fuel, #BA295 is returning to Heathrow.
UPDATE 16:05 UTC
Touch down on runway 27L.
UPDATE 16:30 UTC
The airline is now cancelling the flight.
