10 hospitalized after UAE plane lands at NY airport

By Umar Farooq

WASHINGTON

Ten people were hospitalized after a United Arab Emirates (UAE) airplane landed Wednesday at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, according to the mayor's office.

The mayor's office confirmed the total number of sick passengers, and said that the rest had been cleared for further travel.

"All the passengers are off and have been evaluated. 19 sick. 10 to hospital and 9 refused medical attention. Health officials are processing tests now to determine the cause. Symptoms still pointing to the flu," Eric Phillips, spokesman for the mayor, said on Twitter.

The flight was held at the airport once it landed after several people reported feeling sick, according to the airline.

"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," the airline said on Twitter.

The plane landed in New York at around 9 a.m. (1300GMT) carrying 521 passengers.

Larry Coben, a passenger on the flight, took to Twitter to explain what was happening.

"All we have been told is that some passengers have fallen ill and we should remain in our seats," he wrote, adding that they have deplaned and had their temperatures taken.