The New York and New Jersey Port Authority has confirmed reports that multiple passengers aboard the Emirates Flight 203, from Dubai to New York have taken ill.
The Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton confirmed in a statement that personnel from the US Centre for Disease Control were called in to evaluate the passengers and offer guidance.
At 9:12 a.m. today, Emirates Flight 203 from Dubai landed at JFK Airport with a report of multiple sick passengers. The plane was taken to a location away from the terminal so that medical personnel from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention could board the aircraft to evaluate the situation and provide immediate assistance before passengers deplane and are processed by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. The PAPD and Port Authority airport operations staff are coordinating closely and providing support to the CDC and CBP as necessary.
Rick cotton
The Emirates airline has confirmed that 10 passengers on board the plane were taken ill and attended by local health authorities.
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 (@emirates) September 5, 2018
According to New York City Mayor press secretary Eric Phillips, the plane had 521 passengers on board and flew direct from Dubai.
Earlier reports had indicated that the plan had a stopover at Mecca, which is experiencing flu outbreak which turned out to be incorrect.
Phillips has however indicated that it appears some of the ill passengers came from Mecca before boarding in Dubai, leading to suspicion that those who have taken ill might be suffering from flu.