BA295 emergency: Oxygen-mask photo circulates as London–Chicago jet drops to 9,000 feet and circles before Heathrow return

British Airways flight BA295 from London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare declared an emergency over Ireland on Monday, squawking 7700 before making a rapid descent to around 9,000 feet.

The Boeing 777-200ER, registration G-VIIA, had been cruising at approximately 37,000 feet before descending by nearly 28,000 feet within minutes.

A photo circulating online appears to show passenger oxygen masks deployed inside an aircraft cabin and has been shared in connection with BA295. Cedar News has not independently verified that the photograph was taken aboard this flight.

The aircraft subsequently turned back toward the United Kingdom rather than continuing across the Atlantic to Chicago.

Flight-tracking data showed BA295 remaining airborne at low altitude and flying repeated holding patterns for an extended period.

The prolonged circling was likely intended to reduce the aircraft’s fuel weight before landing, although British Airways has not publicly confirmed that this was the reason.

Long-haul aircraft can depart with large quantities of fuel, and when a flight returns soon after takeoff, crews may need to reduce aircraft weight before landing when circumstances allow.

Reports circulating online have also suggested a cabin-pressure problem, but British Airways has not yet officially confirmed what caused the emergency.

There were no immediate reports of injuries.

The flight was preparing to return to London Heathrow as the situation continued to develop.