British Airways Flight BA35 Makes Emergency Return to Heathrow
A British Airways Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner operating flight BA35 from London Heathrow to Chennai was forced to turn back due to a technical issue with its flaps. The aircraft took off from Runway 27R around midday, but climbed only to about 15,000 feet before the pilots detected a malfunction in the flap adjustment system. Deciding to prioritise safety, the crew entered a holding pattern and circled above the English Channel.
To ensure the aircraft could land safely, crew executed a controlled fuel dump over the Channel. This is a rare but recognised aviation procedure used to reduce landing weight when an aircraft is too heavy to return immediately. The fuel dump reportedly lasted around 30 minutes. Following the dump, the aircraft descended to approximately 12,000 feet before setting course back to Heathrow.
About 105 minutes after departure, the Dreamliner landed safely on Runway 27L at Heathrow. Emergency services were pre‑positioned, and the aircraft taxied to Terminal 5, stand C66. British Airways confirmed there were no injuries and all passengers and crew disembarked normally. A replacement plane has been arranged, and the airline said teams are working to get travellers to Chennai as soon as possible.
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the aircraft circled several times near the Strait of Dover before returning. Aviation observers noted the pilot’s response and the coordination of air traffic control reflected robust safety protocols. The aircraft, registered G‑ZBJG, remains grounded at Heathrow pending inspections by technical teams.
This incident highlights the importance of redundancy and strict procedural adherence in commercial aviation. Flap mechanisms are critical for controlling lift during take-off and landing. Any irregularity demands immediate action to avert risk. Flight safety experts say the crew followed established emergency guidelines, ensuring no disruption to passenger well‑being.
The return of BA35 may cause temporary disruption on the busy Heathrow‑Chennai corridor. Summer travel demand is high, and the airline is working to minimise inconvenience by rebooking passengers on alternate flights. British Airways plans a thorough review of the aircraft’s flap system before confirming a new schedule.
This event marks another reminder that even modern wide‑body jets require vigilant maintenance and real-time operational checks. As global travel rebounds post‑pandemic, proactive crisis management and transparent communication continue to be pillars of passenger trust. Aviation analysts expect the review process to yield technical insights and safety enhancements for future Dreamliner operations.
