A British Airways flight was forced to conduct an emergency landing after four passengers experienced symptoms of “smoke inhalation.” The Airbus A320 was en route from Istanbul to London when the incident occurred, prompting the BA603 flight, carrying 142 passengers, to divert to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport in the afternoon. The landing was successfully carried out at 6:14 pm following the request made at 5:50 pm local time, with medical teams promptly boarding the aircraft to assist the affected individuals.
Following the landing, Romania’s Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of smoke on the plane and subsequently evacuated all passengers on board. The ministry stated that four individuals were being attended to for potential smoke exposure, but later clarified that they did not require further medical attention.
British Airways emphasized that passenger and crew safety is their paramount concern, with the decision to divert made as a precautionary measure in response to a suspected technical issue. The airline assured that the aircraft landed safely, and passengers disembarked without incident. Apologies were extended to affected customers for any inconveniences caused, with efforts underway to facilitate their onward journeys promptly.
Contrary to reports of smoke onboard and hospitalizations, British Airways refuted such claims, asserting that no smoke was reported on the aircraft, and no passengers were hospitalized. The airline’s flight status page confirmed the diversion of Flight BA603 from Istanbul to London to Bucharest, with limited additional information provided.