BA investigates mysterious illness that forced flight to divert
British Airways has launched an investigation after an Airbus A380 carrying 400 passengers from San Francisco to London was forced to divert to Vancouver after the crew, pilots and some passengers fell ill.
Some 22 cabin crew and three pilots were taken to hospital for check-ups, but have since been discharged. Two passengers were also seen by medics, but BA said they did not suffer any injuries.
Reports on Twitter suggested they were all suffering from smoke inhalation, but BA has dismissed this as speculation.
BA said no other aircraft were affected and none of its fleet has been grounded.
The airline said passengers on flight BA286 last night had been put up in hotels and will be rebooked on other flights, but it did not say how long this would take.
A statement from British Airways said: ‘We are sorry for the delay to our customers’ flight but the safety and well being of our customers and crew is always our top priority.
‘The flight from San Francisco diverted to Vancouver after members of the cabin crew became unwell.
"Our ground team at Vancouver has arranged hotel accommodation for the customers and will book them on alternative flights as soon as possible."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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