Emirates confirms 10 passengers sick on New York flight
An Emirates Airline flight from Dubai was quarantined at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday after some passengers became ill during the flight.
Emirates can confirm that about 10 passengers on board flight EK203 from Dubai to New York were taken ill. On arrival at JFK, as a precaution, they were immediately checked by local health authorities, and those needing medical attention will be attended to,” an Emirates spokesperson said.
The White House was monitoring the situation, spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said, and President Donald Trump was being updated as new information became available.
In a series of tweets, Emirates explained the goings-on at the airport.
They tweeted:
Media Statement #2: Emirates can confirm that all passengers have disembarked from flight #EK203. All passengers were screened by local health authorities prior to disembarkation. 3 passengers & 7 crew were transferred to the hospital for further medical care and evaluation. 1/4 — Emirates Airline (@emirates) September 5, 2018
All other #EK203 passengers were allowed to leave and clear customs. Our crew & on-ground staff extended full cooperation with the authorities during the onboard screenings & the aircraft has now been handed back to Emirates. 2/4 — Emirates Airline (@emirates) September 5, 2018
Due to the delay with #EK203, the return flight EK204 from New York JFK to Dubai will be delayed by approx. 3 hours. Passengers with connecting flights in Dubai who are impacted by the delay will be assisted with rebookings by our local ground staff. 3/4 — Emirates Airline (@emirates) September 5, 2018
We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused. The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always our top priority. #EK203 4/4 — Emirates Airline (@emirates) September 5, 2018
Dubai Media Office has also confirmed the statements issued by Emirates.
Emirates can confirm that all passengers have disembarked from flight EK 203. All passengers were screened by the local health authorities prior to disembarkation and 3 passengers and 7 crew were transferred to the hospital for further medical care and evaluation. 1/5 — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 5, 2018
Nine passengers underwent additional medical screening at the site near the aircraft and were released afterwards. The rest of the passengers were allowed to leave and clear customs. 2/5 — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 5, 2018
Emirates crew and onground staff extended our full cooperation with the authorities during the onboard screenings and the aircraft has now been handed back to Emirates. 3/5 — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 5, 2018
Due to the delay with the inbound flight, the return flight EK204 from JFK to Dubai will be delayed by approximately 3 hours. Passengers with connecting flights in Dubai who are impacted by the delay will be assisted with rebookings by Emirates local ground staff. 4/5 — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 5, 2018
Earlier, US media outlets reported that about 100 passengers became ill, but Emirates said the reports were inaccurate and put that number at 10.
Statement: Emirates can confirm that about 10 passengers on #EK203 from Dubai to New York were taken ill. On arrival, as a precaution, they were attended to by local health authorities. All others will disembark shortly. The safety & care of our customers is our first priority. — Emirates Airline (@emirates) September 5, 2018
“All other passengers will be disembarking shortly. The safety and care of our customers is always our first priority and will not be compromised,” the spokesperson said.
Originally published at Arabian Post.
