British Airways flight BA78 from Ghana to Heathrow diverted to Lyon, France, after declaring a mid-air medical emergency for urgent passenger care. It stayed grounded for two hours
A British Airways aircraft bound for the UK declared an emergency following an urgent medical incident aboard.
Flight BA78 left Kotoka International Airport in Ghana at 10.25pm local time on Sunday but was compelled to make an unexpected landing in Lyon, France. The flight crew issued a Squawk 7700 – the international code for a general emergency – whilst flying at an altitude of 38,000ft. The aircraft diverted straight away to the closest airport so the passenger could receive medical attention.
The Airbus A350-1000 landed safely at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport at 5.26am local time today, AirLive reports. It stayed on the ground for two hours for refuelling before departing once more and continuing to Heathrow.
This follows a United Airlines flight being forced to evacuate after a blaze erupted mid-flight. The aircraft was travelling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Newark, New Jersey, when air traffic control received reports of a fire in its left engine, reports the Mirror.
The plane turned around and landed safely at LAX at approximately 11.20am local time on March 3. Smoke could be seen pouring from the engine around 40 minutes afterwards whilst the aircraft was stationed on the runway, ABC7 reports.
All 256 passengers and 12 crew members evacuated the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner using emergency slides and airstairs before being transported by bus to the terminal, United said in a statement. The airline added that it was working to ensure passengers reached their final destinations as quickly as possible.
One person sustained a cut to their finger, but no other injuries were reported.
The Federal Aviation Agency said in a statement: “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.”