ng an Emirates flight from Dubai to New York reported feeling ill on a flight to JFK airport, forcing authorities to quarantine the plane.
Emirates flight 203 has been quarantined at JFK (Image: LARRY COBEN)
Emirates flight 203 was met at John F Kennedy airport by New York Port Authority Police and officials from the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention when it landed.
The New York Mayor’s office confirmed the plane had been quarantined at the aiport after landing shortly after 9am local time.
The plane’s pilot had earlier notified the authorities around 100 of his 500 passengers had started to feel sick with fevers and some were coughing, according to initial reports from New York media outlets.
An Emirates spokeswoman later confirmed 10 passengers fell ill on the flight from Dubai to New York.
Larry Cohen, who identified himself as one of the passengers aboard the plane, uploaded photos on Twitter showing dozens of police and emergency vehicles waiting outside the plane on the tarmac.
Mr Cohen told Reuters via Twitter messaging: “All we have been told is that there are some sick passengers and that we need to remain on board.”
An Emirates spokewoman said: “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.”
She said all other passengers would be allowed to leave the plane shortly.
Officials from the Port Authority Police Department and the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention are on scene, the New York’ mayor office confirmed.
