Firefighters in full hazmat gear boarded a British Airways flight from London after it was forced to make an emergency landing in Italy. The aircraft, carrying passengers from Gatwick to Egypt, diverted to Venice following reports of illness among passengers and crew.
Passenger Melanie Wells, 61, described the ordeal as 'pandemonium'. She said crew members began running down the aisle shortly after take-off, and the plane was surrounded by emergency services upon landing. Hazmat teams in breathing apparatus boarded with scanning equipment, testing affected individuals.
Wells said the captain provided no information during the incident, leaving passengers terrified. After an eight-hour delay, the flight returned to Gatwick, with passengers finally reaching Sharm El Sheikh the following morning. Wells described the experience as 'utterly traumatic' and said it ruined the start of her holiday.
British Airways stated the diversion was a precaution due to a technical issue, and engineers found no evidence of toxic fumes. The airline has apologised and offered compensation, but Wells claims the £500 she lost on accommodation has not been refunded.
