Emirates Quarantine Update: 10 People Hospitalised And Flight Delays Have Followed
Reports broke last night of the Emirates EK203 flight from Dubai International Airport to JFK in New York, being quarantined on the runway in New York after several passengers fell ill with fevers and coughs.
Emirates confirmed 10 people have been hospitalised – seven of which are Emirates crew members.
Passengers were retained on the plane until the Centre for Disease Control cleared the plane.
Emirates made an initial statement on the matter:
“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.
“All other passengers will be disembarking shortly. The safety and care of our customers is always our first priority and will not be compromised.”
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
Following the news, the passengers were disembarked from the flight
With three passengers and seven crew members hospitalised – for further care and tests.
One journalist was aboard the flight and sharing updates
Getting off plane & getting temperatures checked. The girl in front of me is pregnant, poor thing! #emirates #emirates203 pic.twitter.com/qRZaCBijZ1
— Erin Sykes (@SykesStyle) September 5, 2018
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
The rest were released
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
It would also affect the returning flight to Dubai from New York, EK204
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
Emirates reassured its top priority was – and always is – the safety of its passengers and crew
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
