British Airways Flight BA35 Returns to Heathrow After Flap Malfunction Mid-Air

TDT | Manama

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A British Airways flight bound for Chennai, India, was forced to return to London Heathrow Airport shortly after takeoff due to a technical issue involving the aircraft’s flaps.

Flight BA35, operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (registration G-ZBJG), departed Runway 27R at Heathrow and began its climb. However, the aircraft leveled off at approximately 15,000 feet before entering a holding pattern, as the pilots attempted to troubleshoot a flap adjustment failure reported by the flight crew shortly after departure.

Unable to resolve the issue mid-air, the pilots made the decision to return to Heathrow. To ensure a safe landing, the aircraft descended to 12,000 feet over the English Channel, where it dumped fuel for around 30 minutes to reduce landing weight.

After approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in the air, the Dreamliner safely landed on Runway 27L at Heathrow and taxied to Terminal 5, Stand C66. No injuries were reported, and the flight has since been cancelled.

British Airways has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, but all passengers were reported safe, and alternative arrangements are expected to be made for affected travelers.