EDINBURGH – A British Airways flight arriving from London Heathrow was forced to declare an emergency landing at Edinburgh Airport this evening after the co-pilot required urgent medical assistance.
Flight Overview
Flight BA1458, operated by an Airbus A320 (registration G-EUYW), departed London Heathrow (LHR) at 16:54 BST. The short-haul flight proceeded normally toward the Scottish capital, maintaining a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet for the duration of its journey north.
Emergency Declaration
The situation developed during the aircraft’s descent. As the flight was on final approach to Edinburgh (EDI), the Captain transmitted a Squawk 7700 code.
The Captain notified Air Traffic Control that the First Officer was experiencing a medical issue according to source and requested that medical teams be on standby at the gate immediately upon arrival. While one pilot was incapacitated, the Captain remained in control of the aircraft to perform the landing.
Safe Landing
Despite the mid-air emergency, the flight landed safely and actually arrived ahead of schedule at 18:42 BST. Emergency medical services met the aircraft on the tarmac to provide treatment to the co-pilot.
