British Airways flight drops 27,000 feet en route to Chicago and returns to London
Updated on: October 5, 2026 / 6:22 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- British Airways flight from London to Chicago experienced a rapid descent of about 27,000 feet in 10 minutes.
- The descent occurred about 30 minutes after departure, from 36,000 feet to 9,000 feet.
- A British Airways spokesperson cited a technical issue, and the plane landed safely back at Heathrow.
- The aircraft turned around over Ireland and circled to burn off fuel.
- Customers disembarked normally, and the airline is arranging alternative travel plans.