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 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, potentially to Shannon Airport or Dublin Airport or return to London Heathrow.
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.
