British Airways pilots were struck down by suspected food poisoning after an India stopover, with one becoming incapacitated mid-air and needing oxygen at 30,000 feet. 

The other two pilots managed to continue working, but their symptoms worsened after the plane landed in Britain after the 10-and-a-half-hour flight.

The pilots had breakfast together in a local hotel lounge and were also found to have drunk bottled water supplied by an outside vendor. 

Medical staff are collecting and analysing samples to determine the exact cause of the food poisoning. 

They all filed Air Safety Reports and were asked to provide samples so doctors could try to pinpoint the source.

British Airways said passenger safety was not affected and that the flight operated safely. 

BA is now assessing its hotel options in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. 

The airline said: 'The welfare of our colleagues is a top priority and we are reviewing crew accommodation in this location following some isolated reports of sickness.

'During the flight one of our pilots became unwell. 

'In line with established procedures, the aircraft continued safely to its destination and landed normally. 

'The safety of our customers and crew is always our highest priority and at no point was the safety of the flight compromised.'

A Boeing 777 typically flies with a flight and cabin crew of 12 to 16 and around 300 to 400 passengers.  

A Balpa representative said: 'BALPA reps work extensively to ensure that hotels for staff are of a high standard and that the accommodation, location and amenities meet the needs of pilots. 

'BALPA members can complete a feedback form on individual hotels after every visit and, where patterns emerge or there is a strong sentiment, this is fed back to British Airways.

'We have worked extremely closely with British Airways in recent years to ensure hotels meet the needs of flight crews and we will continue to do so. This includes moving pilots to alternative accommodation in Hyderabad within the past days.'