British Airways flight chaos as smoke fills cabin forcing emergency landing

A British Airways flight to the UK was forced to make a dramatic emergency landing after the cockpit suddenly began filling with smoke.

The Boeing 777 plane had departed in Virginia on its way to on Saturday when it reportedly suffered a bird strike on its engine, causing smoke to enter the cabin. It diverted to, where it landed safely around 7.30pm local time. apologised for the delays caused to customers' journeys. The flight had taken off from Dulles shortly after 5.30pm, according to .

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said they have launched an investigation into the incident. It has not been confirmed whether any damage was caused to the aircraft.

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said in a statement to US media: "The flight landed safely after diverting to Boston as a precaution following a suspected bird strike.

"We are sorry for the delay to our customers’ travel plans, but the safety of our customers and crew is always our priority."

The FAA said: "This information is preliminary and subject to change. British Airways Flight 216 landed safely at Boston Logan International Airport after the crew reported a possible bird strike and fumes in the cabin."

The Massachusetts Port Authority meanwhile told CBS News that a "bird was struck" during the incident.

A total of 19,400 bird strikes were reported at 713 airports in the US in 2013, according to FAA data.

Bird strikes can cause significant damage to engines and windscreens on an aircraft.

When a bird is sucked into a jet engine, the high-speed impact can bend or break fan blades, disrupt airflow, and even cause engine failure.

This is a particular risk during takeoff and landing, when aeroplanes fly at lower altitude where birds are found.

The incident over the weekend is only the latest diversion involving British Airways aircraft.

Last July, a flight was forced to divert to Gatwick after the plane was struck by lightning.

Those on board praised the staff for the keeping passengers calm in the aftermath, with one describing their conduct as "amazing."

No passengers or crew were injured, and no substantial damage was caused to the aircraft.

Customers were driven from Gatwick to Heathrow upon landing, the airline said at the time after confirming the plane had landed due to "weather-related" conditions.