On June 28, 2024, British Airways flight BA2279, a Boeing 777 bound for Vancouver, triggered a departure incident at London Gatwick Airport.
During take-off, a co-pilot’s simple mistake—mixing up left and right hands—led to a high-speed aborted take-off, a brake fire, and a 50-minute closure of Gatwick’s main runway.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) report into the incident was released on May 8, 2025. It details the human error behind the departure incident that disrupted one of the world’s busiest airports.
British Airways Departure Incident
The incident began as the First Officer, handling the take-off, mistakenly used his left hand on the control yoke instead of his right. This “action slip” disrupted the routine, forcing the crew to reject the take-off at 167 knots (192 mph).
The sudden stop overheated the right main landing gear brakes, sparking a fire. Airport firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and all 347 passengers and crew were disembarked without injury
However, the aircraft, now immobilized on the runway, caused major disruptions. In all, 23 flights were cancelled, and 16 inbound aircraft were diverted to airports like Heathrow, Stansted, and even Brussels.
The AAIB report pins the error on human factors, rather than mechanical or procedural flaws. Flying from the right-hand seat, the First Officer typically uses their left hand for thrust levers and right for steering. The pilot involved, despite being well-rested, couldn’t explain the mix-up.
The Captain’s response ensured a safe stop under positive directional control. However, the brake fire—a known risk after high-speed aborted take-offs—required immediate action. Ground crews towed the 25-year-old Boeing 777-200ER, registered G-VIIT, off the runway after the incident.
British Airways characterised the aborted take-off as a “precautionary decision” due to a technical issue, prioritizing safety.
Conclusion
The airline apologized for the inconvenience, but the ripple effects were significant. Gatwick’s runway closure disrupted thousands of travellers, as a result of the take-off incident. The AAIB report found no evidence of pilot fatigue or incapacity.
While no systemic issues were found, the event serves as a reminder of how a single mistake can cascade into widespread disruption. The AAIB’s findings urge the aviation industry to stay vigilant in addressing human factors to ensure passenger safety.
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