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

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

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM

Wizz Air Broadens Budapest Access with New Summer Routes

Mar 26, 2025 19:26 PM

Bus Industry Struggles Raises Travel Worries

Mar 26, 2025 17:38 PM
Empty airport seating area with view of terminal and aircraft in the background

Munich Airport Launches Summer Routes Expanding Global Access

Mar 25, 2025 22:44 PM
Striped pillows on a neatly made hotel bed in a bright, modern room

IHG to Open First Garner Hotel in Edinburgh with Central Location and Low Rates

Mar 25, 2025 20:27 PM
AirAsia aircraft parked at the gate of a Southeast Asian airport terminal

AirAsia Expands Digital-Only Fare Access for ASEAN Travellers

Mar 25, 2025 18:31 PM
Man holding a sign during a public demonstration under clear blue skies

Widespread Strikes to Disrupt Travel Across Italy in April

Mar 25, 2025 16:46 PM
Emirates aircraft approaching runway during landing

Emirates Extra Eid Flights Ease Travel Rush for Middle East Passengers

Mar 25, 2025 14:29 PM

VisitEngland Updates Website to Guide Travelers Better

Mar 25, 2025 12:32 PM

Japan Airlines Adds Baggage Same-Day Delivery at Two More Airports

Mar 24, 2025 17:26 PM
Man waiting at Nottingham Train Station with a travel bag

Advance Fares Boost Access to Nottinghamshire Destinations

Mar 24, 2025 15:38 PM
AirAsia aircraft taking off under a partly cloudy sky

AirAsia Adds New Routes for Thai Travellers

Mar 24, 2025 13:53 PM
Travelers pulling luggage through a nearly empty airport check-in area

Stricter U.S. Border Checks Alarm European Travelers

Mar 23, 2025 23:59 PM
Empty row of airplane seats next to windows at an airport gate

Stricter Seat Rules May Hit Hawaii Flights

Mar 23, 2025 21:58 PM

Air Canada Launches New Café for Domestic Travelers in Montréal

Mar 22, 2025 16:33 PM

New Credit Cards Offer Tailored Benefits for Travellers in Belgium

Mar 22, 2025 14:46 PM
Railway worker repairing tracks during maintenance

Rail Closures to Disrupt Windsor Travel

Mar 22, 2025 12:27 PM
Spacious interior of Zurich Airport terminal with passengers seated near large glass windows

New European and North American Destinations from Zurich in 2025

Mar 22, 2025 10:31 AM
Modern hotel room with ambient lighting, large bed, and neutral décor

Hilton Announces Global Expansion for 2025

Mar 22, 2025 08:44 AM
Interior of Liverpool John Lennon Airport with illuminated Liverpool sign and currency exchange area

Security Lane Upgrades at Liverpool Airport May Disrupt Travel Plans

Mar 22, 2025 06:29 AM
Busy Glasgow street with double-decker First Bus buses and historic architecture

Smart Travel Options Unveiled for Glasgow Matchday

Mar 22, 2025 04:32 AM

New Flight Routes Make Sardinia More Accessible for Travelers in 2025

Mar 21, 2025 23:35 PM

British Travellers Urged to Check Passport Validity Rules Before Easter Holidays

Mar 21, 2025 21:44 PM
Burgas Airport departures terminal with travelers outside on a sunny day

Bulgarian Airports to Upgrade Landside Services

Mar 21, 2025 19:23 PM
A group of jockeys riding racehorses at full speed on a sandy racetrack, kicking up dust as they round a bend

Integrated Bus Service Enhances Travel to Scottish Grand National

Mar 21, 2025 17:34 PM