A British Airways flight en route from Ghana to London Heathrow declared a mid-air emergency due to a medical incident on board, prompting an immediate diversion to Lyon, France.
British Airways Emergency Diversion
Flight BA78 departed Kotoka International Airport in Ghana at 10:25 p.m. local time on Sunday. While cruising at 38,000 feet, the crew activated Squawk 7700, the universal code signaling a general emergency.
The Airbus A350-1000 diverted to the nearest suitable airport to provide urgent medical care for the affected passenger. It touched down safely at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport at 5:26 a.m. local time. After a two-hour ground stop for refueling, the flight resumed its journey to Heathrow.
Recent United Airlines Incident
This event echoes a recent United Airlines flight that faced a mid-flight crisis. United Flight 2127, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner traveling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Newark Liberty International Airport, encountered a fire in its left engine.
Air traffic control received reports of the issue, and the aircraft returned to LAX, landing around 11:20 a.m. local time on March 3. Approximately 40 minutes later, while on the runway, smoke was visible emanating from the engine.
All 256 passengers and 12 crew members evacuated safely using emergency slides and airstairs before busing to the terminal. United Airlines stated: “The airline added that it was working to ensure passengers reached their final destinations as quickly as possible.” One individual reported a minor finger cut, with no other injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed: “United Airlines Flight 2127 returned safely to Los Angeles International Airport around 11:20 a.m. local time on Monday, March 2, due to a left engine issue. Passengers deplaned on a taxiway. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was heading to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airline and airport for additional information.”
