In March 2015, a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Dubai had to return shortly after takeoff due to a strong foul smell coming from one of

In March 2015, a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Dubai had to return shortly after takeoff due to a strong foul smell coming from one of the plane’s toilets. Passengers and crew found the odor unbearable, and despite attempts by the cabin staff to resolve the problem, the flight was forced to turn back after just 30 minutes in the air. The pilot informed passengers that the issue was not a technical fault but caused by liquid faecal excrement, emphasizing that safety and passenger comfort were the priorities.
Indian-origin councillor Abhishek Sachdev, who was on board, described the incident as “insane” and shared his experience on social media, noting the long delay of about 15 hours before the next flight. British Airways apologized for the inconvenience, provided hotel accommodations for affected passengers, and rescheduled the flight for the following day. The original flight, BA105, had departed at 8:15 PM and was expected to reach Dubai in seven hours.
The unusual incident quickly became a topic of conversation online, highlighting how unexpected events can disrupt air travel, even on major international flights. While humorous in hindsight, it also underscores the challenges airlines face in ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Such rare occurrences remind travelers of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the need for patience when unforeseen circumstances arise.
This event remains one of the more bizarre and widely reported examples of a flight diversion caused by an onboard issue that was not mechanical but entirely due to hygiene and odor concerns. Despite the disruption, the airline handled the situation by prioritizing passenger welfare, offering accommodations, and ensuring that the flight could safely depart the next day.