BA flight in emergency landing

2005-12-28 17:15

London - A London-bound British Airways passenger flight from New York made an emergency landing in Wales on Wednesday after smoke was detected in the passenger cabin, an airport official said.

The 747 plane, flying from JFK to Heathrow, was diverted to Cardiff International Airport at 12:40 where fire crews were put on standby.

The plane was carrying two passengers and 17 crew, said Bill Kitchen, fire and facilities manager at Cardiff airport.

A BA spokesperson said the plane was carrying only two people, both off duty company employees, because other passengers had switched to other flights following an earlier delay in New York.

"The 747 was diverted to Cardiff and emergency crews put on standby after we were informed that smoke or fumes had been seen in the passenger cabin," Kitchen said.

"The plane landed safely and was examined by fire crews, who found no sign of any smoke."

British Airways said the emergency landing was a precaution after a warning light indicated the possible presence of fumes in the rear of the aircraft.

- AP