Specialist paramedics and a hazardous area response team met a Virgin Atlantic flight on the runway at Gatwick airport on Wednesday morning (March 6) following reports of a number of passengers and crew feeling “unwell and nauseous”.
The flight from Bridgetown, Barbados, landed shortly before 5am at which time around 30 patients were assessed and treated. Two have since been taken to hospital for further checks, the ambulance service confirmed to TTG.
A South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) spokesperson confirmed it was called to attend an inbound flight at Gatwick. “We sent ambulance crews, including our Hazardous Area Response Team, and a number of other specialist paramedics to the scene,” they said.
“The crews have worked together on scene to assess and treat approximately 30 people, most of whom have been discharged from the scene with advice. Two patients are being taken to hospital for further checks.”
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “A number of customers onboard a charter flight from Barbados to London Gatwick this morning (March 6) reported feeling unwell. 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.”
They added customers were tended to on the aircraft, and have since been able to continue their journeys.
A spokesperson for Gatwick added: “A small number of passengers and crew on board a Virgin Atlantic flight that landed from Bridgetown, Barbados, this morning reported feeling unwell.
“In keeping with health and safety procedures, the relevant authorities were informed and an assessment was taken onboard. Passengers have now been able to leave the aircraft and continue their onward journeys.”