A British Airways flight to London Heathrow was diverted to Canada after crew members fell ill, the airline has said.

A medical emergency was declared on Flight BA286 from San Francisco, forcing the double-decker Airbus A380 to make an emergency landing at Vancouver International Airport.

BA said cabin crew members were taken to hospitals "as a precaution" before being discharged.

In a statement, the airline said: "We are sorry for the delay to our customers' flight but the safety and well-being of our customers and crew is always our top priority."

A spokeswoman for Vancouver Coastal Health hospitals said initial reports that the crew was suffering from smoke inhalation are being revised.


It's not yet known what caused the staff to feel unwell.

The diverted flight landed at around 11.30pm (6.30am UK time), a Vancouver Airport spokesperson said.

Images showed the plane on the tarmac surrounded by emergency vehicles.

A @British_Airways flight #BA286 scheduled SFO to LHR is diverting to YVR. We will provide updates as they become available. — Vancouver Airport (@yvrairport) October 25, 2016

#BA286 has landed safely at YVR. Medical personnel on scene to assist. — Vancouver Airport (@yvrairport) October 25, 2016

Vancouver Airport tweeted: "BA286 has landed safely at YVR. Medical personnel on scene to assist."

BA said the cause of the incident was under investigation.

It added: "Our ground team at Vancouver has arranged hotel accommodation for the customers and will book them on alternative flights as soon as possible."