British Airways flight BA295 was seen squawking 7700, the internationally recognised transponder code indicating a general emergency.

The aircraft also descended to around 9,000 feet while flying over Ireland, according to tracking information.

The exact reason for the emergency has not been made public so far.

What does Squawk 7700 mean?

The four-digit 7700 transponder code is used by pilots to alert air traffic controllers that an aircraft is experiencing a general emergency and may require immediate assistance.

The code itself does not identify the nature of the problem. It can be used for a range of situations, including medical emergencies, technical failures or other circumstances requiring priority handling.

The aircraft's descent to below 10,000 feet could be consistent with a controlled rapid descent, a procedure commonly used following a suspected cabin depressurisation.

However, there is no official confirmation that depressurisation was involved in the BA295 incident.

Flight turns back towards London

After declaring the emergency over Ireland, BA295 began turning back towards London rather than continuing across the Atlantic to Chicago.

Further details about the aircraft's condition, the reason for the emergency and whether there were any injuries have not yet been released.

Comes days after flydubai mid-air attack

The incident comes just days after the dramatic emergency involving flydubai flight FZ1073, which attracted global attention after its co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during the flight.

FZ1073, travelling towards Tel Aviv, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30 after broadcasting an emergency squawk code.

Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737-8 descending rapidly before landing at Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport.

According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.

Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and subdue the attacker.

The Indian pilot was subsequently praised internationally for his actions, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump among those who hailed him as a hero.

Authorities have since announced reviews of aviation security procedures following the flydubai incident.