A British Airways flight from London bound for Germany missed its destination by more than 500 miles, heading in the opposite direction and landing in Scotland on Monday.
The incident was due to an incorrect flight plan, according to the airline. The erroneous flight plan was filed by WDL Aviation, which was operating the flight for British Airways. The trip went smoothly despite the incorrect route, with both the pilot and air traffic control officials finding nothing amiss until the plane landed in Edinburgh, Scotland, leaving passengers bewildered.
Passenger Son Tran tweeted: “@British_Airways can you please explain how can my morning flight taking off from LCY to Dusseldorf land in Edinburgh? While an interesting concept, I don’t think anyone on board has signed up for this mystery travel lottery…”
The airline initially appeared to be confused by mix-up, responding: “The flight has been diverted to Edinburgh, we don’t have any information as to why at the moment. There is an estimated departure time of 10:30 from Edinburgh to make way to Dusseldorf. Sarah”
The flight has been diverted to Edinburgh, we don’t have any information as to why at the moment. There is an estimated departure time of 10:30 from Edinburgh to make way to Dusseldorf. Sarah
— British Airways (@British_Airways) March 25, 2019
After the 525-mile detour to Scotland, the flight was refueled and set off to its initial destination in Germany.
