In the last few moments, it has emerged that a British Airways Boeing 787 bound for Chicago has u-turned back to London Heathrow.
British Airways BA297 London-Chicago…
British Airways flight BA297 is a routine scheduled flight between London Heathrow and Chicago O’Hare.
This flight is being operated by G-ZBKA, one of the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
As per data from Planespotters.net, G-ZBKA is a 8.5 year old airframe that was delivered in September 2015.
Of the 787-9 variant, the UK carrier has 18 of them, of which all are in active service.
British Airways flight BA297 departed London Heathrow at 1656 local time this afternoon.
BA297 was due to arrive into Chicago at 1926 local time, but with this issue, will no longer be happening.
Ongoing Issue At The Moment…
@FlightEmergency on X states British Airways flight BA297 to Chicago is returning to Heathrow due to engine problems.
Furthermore, it is unclear what the nature of the problem with the engine is on the 787.
BA297 has been in the air for around two hours so far.
It’s expected it will take another hour or two for it’s arrival back into London Heathrow.
This is the second incident involving the aircraft type in less than 24 hours.
This is a developing story. Be sure to follow below for live updates.
Live Updates…
Approaching Ireland
Whatever the issue is with the engine, it isn’t causing altitude constraints. Cruising at FL380 back to Ireland.
No Emergency Declared Currently
It is key to note also that the crew on British Airways flight BA297 have not officially declared an emergency currently.
Potential Maintenance Issue
Furthermore, the return to London Heathrow could be down to the aircraft getting fixed quicker at it’s hub, where there are significant maintenance facilities.
Push down to LHR Continues…
BA297 is now entering a small portion of Ireland before proceeding through Northern Ireland thereafter to continue onwards down to LHR.
Descent Commenced…
British Airways flight BA297, originally bound for Chicago, has started a descent from FL380 into LHR.
BA297 Has Entered UK Airspace…
BA297 continues back to London Heathrow, having entered UK airspace at FL290.
Second Stage of Descent Begins…
BA297 is now commencing the second half of it’s descent from FL290 as the flight nears Birmingham area.
Minutes From Landing…
BA297 is minutes from landing, with the aircraft on base leg currently.
Final Approach!
BA297 is on finals onto the 27s at London Heathrow.
TOUCHDOWN!
TOUCHDOWN! British Airways flight BA297, originally bound for Chicago, has safely landed back into London Heathrow following it’s Atlantic Ocean U-Turn!
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly Emergencies and Incidents newsletter.
Click the photo to join our WhatsApp channel so then you can stay up to date with everything going on in the aviation industry!
