Suspected Food Poisoning Sickens 34 Passengers on Guam-Tokyo Flights

By Ivan PetrenkoNov 11, 2024 04:30 AMNews
Share:
United A320 departing to Houston
United A320 departing to Houston. Source: unsplash

On Friday, 34 passengers aboard two separate flights from Guam to Tokyo fell ill with symptoms resembling food poisoning. The incidents occurred on United Airlines flight 873 and Japan Airlines flight 942, prompting an investigation by Japanese authorities into the potential cause of the outbreak. Both flights arrived at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, where some affected passengers required hospitalization.

United Airlines Flight 873

United Airlines flight 873, operated by a Boeing 737-800, departed Guam’s Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport slightly behind schedule at 17:12 local time. During the flight, 18 passengers reported nausea and vomiting. Upon landing at 19:29 in Tokyo, several ill passengers received medical attention, while others were able to continue their journey without further care.

Similar Incident on Japan Airlines

A nearly identical event occurred on Japan Airlines flight 942, which left Guam at 16:41. This flight, operated by a Boeing 767-300ER, saw 16 passengers fall ill with similar symptoms. JAL denied that in-flight meals were responsible, pointing out that some passengers displayed symptoms before boarding. Authorities suspect the illness may have originated from a shared source in Guam, rather than onboard catering.

Broader Context of Food-Related Incidents

While in-flight meals are not believed to be the cause in this case, food-related health concerns have disrupted flights in 2024. For example, a United Airlines flight from Seoul to San Francisco in May had to return to Seoul after crew members fell ill, likely from pre-flight food. Similarly, a catering facility in Detroit was temporarily shut down after Delta passengers discovered black mold in a chicken dish, leading to hundreds of flights operating without catering.

Investigation Underway

Japanese authorities are continuing to investigate the source of the illness affecting passengers on both flights. Cooperation between United Airlines, Japan Airlines, and local health officials has been praised for ensuring swift medical response and passenger safety.

Top Articles
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM
Person in tropical shirt looking at a docked cruise ship

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Modern hotel room with twin beds and minimal decor

Waldorf Astoria Has Opened in Costa Rica Near Key Natural Attractions

Sep 13, 2025 23:46 PM
Tokyo Disneyland entrance decorated for holiday season

Tokyo Disneyland to Introduce New Holiday Parade This Winter

Sep 13, 2025 20:29 PM

Icelandair Introduces Year-Round Flights Between Edinburgh and Reykjavik

Sep 13, 2025 19:33 PM

Reduced SAS Fares Support Travel Amid Storm Disruptions in Northern Sweden

Sep 13, 2025 18:44 PM
Railway signals glowing red at sunset

Temporary Train Changes in Sicily Could Impact Tourist Plans

Sep 13, 2025 01:27 AM
AirAsia airplane wing and logo above the clouds

New Direct Air Connections Open Between Malaysia and Pontianak

Sep 13, 2025 00:31 AM
Woman checking phone for updates

KLM Updates Newsletters with AI to Deliver Travel Insights

Sep 12, 2025 20:48 PM
Red railway crossing signal with barriers lowered under cloudy sky

September Rail Work on North Downs Line May Impact Trips

Sep 12, 2025 19:22 PM
SAS aircraft preparing to land

SAS Opens First Non-Stop Route Between Copenhagen and Seoul

Sep 12, 2025 18:35 PM

Abergavenny Prepares for Food Festival with New Transport Arrangements

Sep 12, 2025 16:49 PM

Ryanair Confirms Partnership with Skyscanner

Sep 12, 2025 15:23 PM
Cars lining up outside Berlin Brandenburg Airport terminal under a covered roadway

New Platform Lets Passengers Book Rental Cars Directly at Berlin Airport

Sep 12, 2025 05:36 AM
Hotel glowing with festive lights

Organized Holiday Packages Introduced for Winter Visitors in the Lake District

Sep 11, 2025 22:43 PM
Modern bedroom with decorative pillows and lamps

Napa Valley Expands Stays Ahead of 2028 Opening

Sep 11, 2025 21:26 PM
Person using smartphone, highlighting online security risks

Travelers Face Rising Threat from Fake Airline Sites

Sep 11, 2025 20:39 PM

Stockport Bridge Works to Affect Key Travel Routes This Autumn

Sep 11, 2025 19:42 PM

Wizz Air to Wind Down Vienna Base

Sep 11, 2025 19:25 PM
Airplane approaching for landing against blue sky

Skyhub PAD Reopens Key Connection from Paderborn

Sep 11, 2025 00:38 AM
Transavia aircraft on runway preparing for departure

Transavia Expands Summer 2026 Routes, Opening More Mediterranean Destinations

Sep 10, 2025 22:26 PM
Passenger waiting as LNER train passes

Travelers’ Details Exposed in LNER Supplier Hack

Sep 10, 2025 21:49 PM
Rail workers performing maintenance on train tracks during infrastructure upgrades

Major Rail Works on Caserta to Foggia Line Could Affect Travel Plans

Sep 10, 2025 21:33 PM
flydubai aircraft taxiing on runway with mountains in the background

flydubai and TAROM Connect More European Destinations

Sep 10, 2025 20:24 PM

Wizz Air Expands Network from Tirana with New Routes

Sep 10, 2025 19:47 PM

Travel Planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Made Easier

Sep 10, 2025 18:51 PM
Railway maintenance machinery on the rail track

Rail Maintenance to Affect Passengers Along Key Northern Italy Route

Sep 9, 2025 21:27 PM
Modern tropical hotel room with a large bed, woven chair, and a view of lush greenery through floor-to-ceiling glass doors

Panglao Island Expands Options for Visitors to Explore Beaches and Wildlife

Sep 9, 2025 20:41 PM