Passengers quarantined by masked staff after ‘coughing sickness’ outbreak on flight to Gatwick

A number of passengers suddenly became unwell with "flu-like" symptoms

Staff wearing masked took passengers onboard a Virgin flight from Barbados to London Gatwick into quarantine after a mid-flight outbreak of a mystery 'coughing sickness'. A passenger on the plane, Trevor Wilson, claimed that several people onboard had experienced "flu-like symptoms" while on the flight from Bridgetown. The passengers had previously been onboard a MSC Preziosa cruise. Passengers were held at the airport for over an hour and a half while they underwent checks, but have now been released. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: "A number of customers onboard the VS610, which landed at London Gatwick this morning (March 6th) from Barbados, reported feeling unwell. "As a precaution, the plane was met by the relevant authorities who made the decision to screen everyone onboard, in line with standard health and safety procedures. "The wellbeing of our customers and crew is always our priority, and we are supporting those affected. "Customers have now left the aircraft and can continue their journeys as normal." A Gatwick spokesperson said: "A small number of passengers and crew on board a Virgin Atlantic flight which 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 on board. "Passengers have now been able to leave the aircraft and continue their onward journeys."