A British Airways transatlantic flight inbound to London from San Francisco has declared an emergency as it passes Ireland inbound to the UK mainland.
British Airways flight BA286, an Airbus A380 operating the long-haul route from San Francisco (SFO) to London Heathrow (LHR), declared a general emergency, squawking 7700 as it approached the UK mainland enroute.
Flight BA286 declared the general emergency whilst in the cruise as it approached the British Isles. The aircraft is currently maintaining track to London Heathrow (LHR), on descent through FL280 as it passes the British Midlands region.
Updates from the British Airways A380 Inbound to London Heathrow from San Francisco…
The nature of the emergency is not known at this time. Aircraft in question is British Airways Airbus A380-841 registered G-XLEB; a 10 year old airframe belonging to the British flag carrier.
Flight now passing through 10,000 feet on approach.
Update #2 13:11 BST:
The Airbus A380 has now returned to a normal squawk and has landed safely at London Heathrow after being given a priority landing, while the reason for the emergency code being used is still not known.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
AviationSource will approach British Airways for a comment on this emergency squawk transmission, as well as for the reasoning behind the change of squawk upon landing back into London Heathrow from San Francisco.
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