Children fall sick on Emirates flight to London

Sixty children, all members of a Welsh children’s choir who were returning from a concert in Cape Town, had become unwell during a flight to London Heathrow that had transited via Dubai.

DUBAI // Eleven children were taken to hospital and dozens more treated for diarrhoea and vomiting after falling sick on an Emirates flight between Dubai and London on Monday.

Sixty children, aged between 10 and 14 and all members of a Welsh children’s choir who were returning from a concert in Cape Town, South Africa, had become unwell during a flight on an A380 to London Heathrow that had transited via Dubai.

When they landed at Heathrow they were met by four ambulance crews, a motorbike responder and the hazardous area response team.

Of the 60 ill children, 11 were taken to Hillingdon Hospital in West London for treatment and later discharged.

A spokesman for Emirates said: “A small group of passengers who transited via Dubai and flew on Emirates to London Heathrow on May 5 informed our crew that they were unwell during the flight.

“They were given medical attention on arrival. The affected passengers were part of the same travel group who began their journey in Cape Town.

“We are providing the affected passengers with all possible support, and are working closely with the local authorities to investigate the issue.”

The children were members of the Wales Millennium Centre/ Only Kids Aloud Chorus and had travelled to South Africa for two concerts.

After the performances they flew to Dubai and from there boarded the Emirates flight to London.

The London Ambulance Service said four ambulance crews, a motorbike responder and the hazardous area response team were sent to the aircraft after it had landed. It is thought the sickness may have been brought about something they ate in Cape Town.