Virgin Atlantic reported on March 6, 2019, that all passengers and crew of a charter flight arriving in London from Barbados had been quarantined in the United Kingdom, after several people got sick.
The Boeing 747, registered G-VROS, carried out flight VS610 from Bridgetown International Airport (BGI) in Barbados, to London Gatwick Airport (LGW), United Kingdom. The flight was exclusively transporting tourists returning from a cruise in the Caribbean, on a ship called MSC Preziosa.
Out of the 448 passengers, several on board fell ill with severe coughs, diarrhea and even rashes, according to Phill Brown, a passenger quoted by The Sun. Five crew members were also affected.
Currently been stuck on plane at #gatwick for 90 mins due to sickness on board! Now told we are being taken to a holding centre to be assessed! pic.twitter.com/qXU6GdL75Y
— Trevor Wilson (@trevwilson19) March 6, 2019
Upon landing in Gatwick, the airport’s emergency services met the plane. The quarantine lasted for about four hours.
“A number of customers on board a charter flight from Barbados to London Gatwick this morning (March 6th), reported feeling unwell on board,” said Virgin Atlantic via mail to Aerotime. “The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always our absolute priority, and local ambulance services attended the aircraft upon landing to provide medical assistance. We are working closely with London Gatwick Airport and medical teams to offer assistance to customers, and will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances”.
Passengers received medical inspection and treatment onboard the aircraft. Those showing no symptoms were allowed to continue their journeys, according to the airline.
About thirty sick passengers were taken to an assessment centre for further treatment, said a spokesperson from Gatwick airport. Two of them were transported to a local hospital.