Three people hospitalised by cleaning chemical leak on plane

"American Airlines flight 729 from London Heathrow to Philadelphia diverted to Dublin due to an odour caused by a spilled cleaning solution in the galley," an American Airlines spokesperson said in a statement.

According to the pilot, the incident had been caused by “a cleaning product used at Heathrow” that had been left behind in a toilet, then spilled and seeped into the carpet. 

The noxious fumes from the spilled substance left two crew members temporarily unconscious less than an hour into the flight.

Several passengers also complained of burning eyes and skin irritation.

In audio from the cockpit, the pilot explained that although the product is believed to be non-toxic, the crew required immediate assistance. 

The pilot added that the leaking product was an aircraft interior cleaner made by Callington, a leading specialty chemicals manufacturer. 

Paramedics who met American Airlines flight 729 after it touched down in the Irish capital took the two staff and one traveller to hospital for evaluation, according to the airline.

One passenger aboard the flight said that some people were feeling unwell before the flight even departed Heathrow. He said the plane was delayed by an hour as a result.