BA56 - Incident: British Airways A388 at Johannesburg on Aug 1st 2025

A British Airways Airbus A380-800, registration G-XLED performing flight BA-56 from Johannesburg (South Africa) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was climbing out of Johannesburg's runway 21R when the crew stopped the climb at FL220 reporting smoke in the crew rest area. The aircraft dumped fuel and landed overweight but safely on Johannesburg's runway 21R about 50 minutes after departure and stopped at the end of the runway for an inspection by emergency services. About 10 minutes later the aircraft taxied to the apron.

A listener on frequency reported the crew declared Mayday and reported smoke in the crew rest area.

A passenger reported there had been smoke in crew rest area and cabin.

The airline reported a technical issue with the aircraft.

The aircraft returned to service about 50 hours after landing.