British Airways Flight BA295 Declares Emergency Over Ireland, Plunges From 28,000 Ft To 9,000 Ft

British Airways flight BA295, travelling from London to Chicago, reported an emergency while passing over Ireland on Monday. The aircraft was flying at an altitude of nearly 28,000 feet before making a significant descent to around 9,000 feet.

The aircraft also squawked 7700, a standard transponder code used internationally to notify air traffic control of a general emergency and indicate that assistance may be needed.

The circumstances that triggered the emergency are yet to be known.

What Does 7700 Mean?

A squawk refers to a four-digit transponder code transmitted by an aircraft to air traffic controllers. When pilots enter 7700, it indicates that the aircraft is facing an emergency. While the code does not reveal the nature of the issue, it alerts controllers that the crew may require immediate assistance and priority handling.

Flydubai Flight Stabbing Case

The incident comes days after the flydubai flight stabbing, in which an Omani pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, attacked his Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, inside the cockpit with an axe and a sharp weapon while the flight was in the air.

The attack led to a very tense situation on the aircraft, which consisted mostly of Israeli nationals. Fortunately, the Omani co-pilot was taken down by the Indian captain, though he was badly injured. During the tussle, the aircraft dropped roughly 17,000 feet in under two minutes but was later brought under control and landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.