A British Airways flight from London to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in Nunavut, Canada, after the cockpit reportedly filled with fumes and a burning smell.
Pilots had to don oxygen masks during the incident, according to photojournalist and aviation photographer Tom Podolec.
He tweeted: “British Airways #BA103 from London to Calgary diverted to Iqaluit. Reported fumes in the cockpit. Pilots were on oxygen. Fire department at the aircraft. Fumes said to be electrical burning smell in nature. Aircraft stopped on the runway.”
He later added: “Paramedics requested for a passenger in need of medical attention. Aircraft now at the terminal.
“Passengers to be deplaned after medical is dealt with.”
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landed shortly after 7pm local time on 12 September, five and a half hours into the eight hour journey from Heathrow to Calgary International Airport in Alberta.
Pictures of the plane on the runway at Nunavat show fire crews at the scene.
Passengers were deplaned and put up in Iqaluit overnight; as of 11pm, a replacement aircraft was en route to take passengers to Calgary the following morning.
BA said in a statement: “The aircraft landed safely.
“Our highly trained flight crew diverted the aircraft as a precaution after a possible technical issue.
“We’re very sorry that our customers have been inconvenienced and delayed. Our cabin crew have been looking after them and we’ll get them on to their final destination as quickly as we can.
“The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority.”
Passenger Kara Gibson commended the crew during the incident, tweeting: “We were heading to Calgary on BA103 but had a little diversion to Nunavut. An extra little adventure on our holiday. A special thanks to the crew who showed incredible professionalism throughout.
“This event has shown why we choose BA!”
