British Airways flight faces mid-air chaos as 'toxic fumes' prompt emergency landing after passengers and crew fall ill

The incident triggered an emergency response, with the aircraft returning to its departure point for an urgent landing.

A dozen passengers and five British Airways staff members were affected by the toxic fumes while they were aboard the flight.

Emergency services were deployed at Dubai airport, with paramedics and firefighters lining the runway as the aircraft made its landing.

The five crew members required ongoing medical attention following the incident, The Sun has revealed.

Ground crews stood ready to assist those affected by the fumes upon landing.

One passenger described the incident, saying: "It was clear there was little preparation for such an event."

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British Airways said that the situation was due to "a minor technical issue".

The airline has not provided further details about the cause of the toxic fumes or the current condition of those affected.

Last month, a BA flight was hit by lightning in a shocking incident over Brazil while its capital city suffered horrific flooding.

The Airbus A350 was directly hit at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport on its vertical stabiliser.

As a result, the flight - which was on its way to London Heathrow - was delayed so that officials could inspect the aircraft, while 21 other planes were redirected as a result of the severe weather conditions.

Experts confirmed that lightning strikes on planes were common and, on the whole, would not cause any harm due to safety features that shield fliers from electrical discharge.