An Amsterdam-bound Delta flight with nearly 300 people aboard had to divert to JFK Airport early Wednesday after "it was discovered" that some of the in-flight meal service had been spoiled, the airline said.
Flight crews on the Airbus A330 consulted with medical experts, who recommended the diversion to Queens. Flight Aware shows the flight turning around as it flew over eastern Canada. Delta flight 136 landed safely there at 4 a.m.
It's not clear how many passengers consumed the tainted food, nor were details on the spoilage known.
Passengers say it was the chicken.
Delta said medical crews were onsite to meet the aircraft and treat any affected passengers and crew. The Port Authority said 24 people --10 crew members, 14 passengers -- were evaluated upon landing.
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All refused a ride to the hospital, the agency said.
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Passengers were provided hotel rooms and transportation. They're rebooked on a Wednesday evening flight to their destination, officials said.
Delta apologized for the incident, saying in a statement, "This is not the service Delta is known for and we sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and delay in their travels."
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the safe diversion, saying crew members had reported "several sick passengers" prior to landing.
The flight had originated in Detroit.
