Sunday, November 24, 2024 British Airways flight BA9250, operating on an Airbus A320neo (registration G-NEOW), was forced to return to Athens International Airport (ATH) after declaring an emergency shortly after departure. The flight, originally scheduled to connect Athens to London, experienced a suspected pressurization issue that prompted the pilots to transmit a squawk 7700 emergency code and divert back to Athens. This developing situation highlights the importance of aviation safety protocols and efficient handling of in-flight emergencies.
The flight was scheduled to depart at 14:40 EET but faced a delay of over an hour, eventually taking off at 15:40 EET. Approximately 30 minutes into the journey, while cruising at an altitude of 38,000 feet, the aircraft signaled the emergency. Here’s a detailed timeline of the incident (all times in GMT unless otherwise stated): The emergency response teams at Athens Airport were prepared for the aircraft’s return, ensuring the passengers and crew disembarked safely without incident.
The Airbus A320neo involved in the incident, registration G-NEOW, is a five-year-old aircraft that has been a staple of British Airways’ short- to medium-haul operations. Preliminary reports suggest that a potential pressurization issue may have been the cause of the emergency, though investigations are ongoing. Pressurization issues can pose significant risks, including discomfort or potential health hazards for passengers and crew if not addres.
