The incident occurred on British Airways flight BA276 during the week of 19/7, originating from Rajiv Gandhi international airport in Hyderabad, India, and landing at Heathrow airport in London, UK, more than 10 hours later. Reports indicate that not only the pilots but also several other crew members suffered food poisoning after an overnight layover in Hyderabad, according to People.

A British Airways representative confirmed to Fox News Digital that a pilot fell ill during the flight, but the aircraft continued safely to its destination. The airline is currently reviewing its crew accommodation in Hyderabad. "The health and safety of our staff are always a top priority. We are reviewing our crew accommodation in the area following some isolated reports of staff illness," a representative for the airline stated.

British Airways aircraft. Photo: Reuters

According to The Sun, before takeoff, all three pilots in the cockpit crew had breakfast together in the hotel lounge, consuming bottled water supplied by an external company. During the flight, the first pilot to experience health issues was deemed "incapacitated", requiring oxygen support and immediate medical attention upon landing. The other two pilots continued to fly the aircraft, despite their symptoms reportedly "worsening throughout the flight".

The British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA), a union representing over 10,000 pilots in the UK, has proposed preventative measures to ensure multiple pilots on the same flight do not fall ill simultaneously. A BALPA representative explained, "Pilots are encouraged to consume different meals to minimize the risk of concurrent food poisoning."

This incident highlights concerns about pilot health, echoing a similar event last month when an Air Canada pilot experienced a health incident on a flight from New Jersey, US, to Nova Scotia, Canada, receiving timely assistance from passengers.

On 24/6, the flight, operated by regional partner PAL Airlines from Newark to Halifax, unexpectedly became unstable mid-flight. Passengers told ABC News that the pilot "showed signs of a seizure" for about 40 minutes. The aircraft then had to divert for an emergency landing in Boston after the co-pilot took control. Passenger Rodney McDonald recounted witnessing flight attendants escort the pilot from the cockpit into the aisle. He and four others helped restrain the pilot during that time. An airline representative later confirmed the captain experienced a health issue and was removed from the cockpit according to safety procedures, with the co-pilot taking over the aircraft and landing it safely.

Binh Minh (According to People, Fox News)