Emergency landing in Doha: British Airways flight from Mumbai to London diverts mid-flight
British Airways flight BA198, operated by an Airbus A350-1000 (registration G-XWBE), made an unscheduled landing at Hamad International Airport in Doha on 11th August after declaring a general emergency mid-flight.
The aircraft was en route from Mumbai, India, to London Heathrow when the crew transmitted squawk code 7700, prompting immediate priority handling by air traffic controllers.
The Airbus A350-1000 is one of the most advanced aircraft in British Airways' fleet. It is designed for efficiency, comfort, and safety, with sophisticated systems that can detect and manage technical anomalies. When an emergency declaration is made, it is often a precautionary measure to ensure that any potential issue can be addressed on the ground, where engineers have full access to the aircraft.
British Airways has not yet confirmed the exact reason for the emergency, and a detailed inspection will be carried out before the plane is returned to service.
TL;DR:
BA198 from Mumbai to London issued a 7700 emergency signal while cruising near Dubai over the Persian Gulf.
The Airbus A350-1000 landed safely at Hamad International Airport, where it remained for around four hours before resuming its journey.
British Airways confirmed safety of passengers and crew, but did not disclose the exact cause of the emergency as per Simple Flying.
Flight Details and timeline
Flight BA198 departed Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport slightly behind schedule on August 11, 2025, bound for London Heathrow. The long-haul route typically takes around nine hours, passing over the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf before entering European airspace.
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Undo
While cruising near Dubai over the Persian Gulf, the cockpit crew declared an emergency by broadcasting transponder code 7700, a universal signal for an in-flight emergency. Air traffic controllers immediately cleared airspace and coordinated the diversion.
The aircraft diverted to Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, where it landed safely at approximately 14:00 local time. Emergency ground crews were on standby.
After arrival in Doha, the Airbus remained on the ground for about four hours while technical checks were carried out. The nature of the problem, whether mechanical, technical, or health-related, was not disclosed by British Airways. Once cleared, BA198 departed Doha and continued onward to London Heathrow, arriving several hours later than scheduled, at around 22:30 BST.
Understanding Squawk 7700 and emergency protocols
Squawk 7700 is used by pilots to indicate any serious in-flight emergency that requires immediate assistance or priority from air traffic control. Once activated, the transponder alert is visible to control centres and nearby aircraft, triggering safety measures such as route clearance, emergency service standby, and expedited landing procedures
All aircraft are equipped with transponders that broadcast a four-digit squawk code assigned by controllers.
Generally, three codes are universally reserved for emergencies: 7500 for a hijacking, 7600 for a communications failure, and 7700 for a general emergency. Pilots may use 7700 in several situations, including engine problems, medical emergencies, fire onboard, and loss of cabin pressure.
When a 7700 code is transmitted, controllers can clear airspace, prioritize the approach, and have emergency services on standby.
While it does not necessarily mean the aircraft is in imminent danger, it signals that the crew is managing a situation requiring immediate attention.
The safe diversion of British Airways flight BA198 to Doha reinforces the aviation industry's strong safety-first culture and procedural readiness. While the cause of the emergency remains undisclosed, the coordinated actions of the flight crew, air traffic controllers, and ground teams ensured the wellbeing of all onboard. For passengers, the incident was a reminder of the meticulous safety mechanisms and international teamwork that help keep long-haul flights secure, even in unexpected situations.
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