United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER Returns to Incheon After Crew Contracts Food Poisoning

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 26, 2024 01:00 AMNews
Share:
white united plane on park
white united plane on park. Source: unsplash

On May 19th, 2024, United Airlines Flight 806 had to return to its departure airport, Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea, after the flight crew suffered severe food poisoning. The flight, bound for San Francisco International Airport (SFO), was operated by a Boeing 777-200ER. Airline representatives confirmed that the diversion was due to a medical issue affecting the crew.

Incident Overview

Flight UA806 typically operates a 10-hour route from ICN to SFO. On this occasion, the aircraft departed from Incheon at 11:29 a.m. local time but had to divert two hours into the flight over Iwanuma, Japan. The plane remained at cruising altitude during its return and landed safely at ICN after a total flight time of four hours and 21 minutes.

Announcement and Passenger Experience

Passengers were informed of the situation by a flight attendant who, despite struggling to speak, explained that the crew had fallen ill after consuming food, necessitating the diversion. The aircraft experienced some turbulence around the time of the announcement, as reported by passengers.

Investigation and Airline Response

While Korean news outlet Chosun reported the incident as "mass food poisoning among the pilots and crew," United Airlines has not confirmed the specifics of the medical issue. The airline only stated that the diversion was due to a medical matter. There is speculation that the crew might have consumed contaminated food before boarding the flight, as the symptoms appeared relatively early into the flight.

Passenger Accommodations

Following the incident, United Airlines provided food vouchers and accommodation to passengers as they awaited rebooking on alternate flights to San Francisco. The airline has yet to comment further on the nature of the illness that affected the crew.

This incident underscores the importance of food safety and health protocols for airline crews, especially given the critical roles they play in ensuring passenger safety during flights.

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
Airplane flying against cloudy sky

Norwegian Expands Direct Flights from UK to Scandinavia for Summer 2026

Sep 14, 2025 01:38 AM
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 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
Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on runway

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 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 plane on snowy runway at sunrise

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

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
Close-up of Wizz Air aircraft tails on airport apron

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 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
Qatar Airways aircraft in flight against clear sky

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