A British Airways flight descended into chaos when firefighters in full hazmat gear boarded the aircraft after making an emergency landing in Italy.

The aircraft diverted to Venice after departing London Gatwick.

Footage shows an emergency crew wearing full-body white suits and breathing equipment rushing onto the aircraft.

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Passenger Melanie Wells told the Daily Mail she began to feel unwell shortly after boarding the aircraft, adding that other passengers and cabin crew also became sick.

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British Airways told the Daily Mail that the diversion was ‘a precaution’, following a technical issue. The airline said engineers inspected the aircraft, which was cleared to return to service the next day.

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It also explained that the plane was checked by engineers who did not find any evidence of toxic fumes.

Despite the airline’s reassurance, Melanie said the incident was frightening. She also claims British Airways has refused to pay for the money she lost on her first night of accommodation in Egypt.

Explaining the incident, she said: ‘About an hour and a half in the air, crew members suddenly began running down the aisle backwards and forwards. I didn’t know what was going on.’

Melanie added: ‘We were told nothing the whole time. We landed and the whole plane was surrounded by police, ambulances, fire services.

‘And then men in hazmat suits with full breathing apparatus came on board with what I was assume were [testing devices], running them over the stewards and stewardesses then doing it to the passengers affected.

‘I was absolutely terrified – I was out of my mind with worry, I was really fearful. It was pandemonium.

‘The staff were in pure panic mode. At no point did the captain give us any information.’

The flight was delayed in Italy for eight hours and returned to Gatwick before arriving in Egypt the next morning.

Wells said the travel time lasted “40 hours.”

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GB News provided further info:

Ms Wells, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, said: “About six people fell seriously ill on board while we were in the air. I felt very unwell.

“I felt nauseous and had a headache. At the time I put it down to stress but now looking back I think it was fumes.”

After an eight-hour wait in Italy, the plane was diverted back to London Gatwick before landing in Egypt the following morning.

On arrival home, Melanie submitted a complaint to BA who she says have offered £2,130 in compensation for the cancelled flight, meal expenses and issues faced.

But Melanie says the airline are refusing to refund her for the first night of accommodation they missed in Egypt due to the delays.

Melanie said: “We were travelling for 40 hours. We were utterly exhausted. The experience was horrific. It was definitely a flight from hell.

“BA have performed in the most cavalier manner. The distress and trauma we went through, it was utterly traumatic. It ruined the start of our holiday.

“I want the £500 for the missed accommodation too. It was a horrific experience.”

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