A British Airways Airbus A319-100, registration G-EUPL performing flight BA-466 from London Heathrow,EN (UK) to Madrid,SP (Spain), rotated for takeoff from Heathrow's runway 27R when a strong chemical odour developed in cockpit and cabin. The crew completed the initial climb, then ran the relevant checklist, the odour dissipated, cabin crew also confirmed the odour was dissipating, the whole event lasted for about 2 minutes, due to the short duration neither flight crew had donned their oxygen masks or cabin crew their protective equipment. As the odour had subsided the crew decided to continue the flight. Enroute while nearing Spain both flight crew realized they felt dizzy, had difficulties in concentrating and were feeling increasingly tired and exhausted. Some cabin crew in the meantime inexplicably poured water onto the galley top instead of into the sink. The aircraft managed a safe landing on Madrid's runway 32L about 2 hours after departure.
Medlink instructed the crew to use portable oxygen for 20 minutes each.
The aircraft remained on the ground for about 3 hours, then departed for the return flight to London. After the return to London the aircraft remained on the ground for 4.5 hours, then resumed service.