Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Delta flight makes emergency stop at JFK after bizarre on-board food incident

The Netherlands-bound flight was met by medics after diverting to JFK

Natalie Wilson
Wednesday 03 July 2024 12:52 EDT
Comments
277 passengers onboard flight 136 may have been served ‘spoiled’ food
277 passengers onboard flight 136 may have been served ‘spoiled’ food (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Delta Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in New York after passengers were served a “spoiled” in-flight meal service.

Flight 136 departed Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport for Amsterdam on Tuesday evening but diverted to JFK airport once the “contaminated” food was discovered.

According to data from the tracking site FlightRadar24, the Delta plane was flying over Saint Pierre and Miquelon – a French archipelago south of Canada’s Newfoundland – when it was turned around.

The Airbus A330 landed safely at JFK at 4am this morning (3 July) and was met by medics to treat affected passengers.

It is currently unknown how many of the 277 passengers onboard consumed the spoiled meals and if any travellers displayed symptoms of food poisoning.

One impacted passenger, Virginia, wrote on Twitter/X: “@delta I need to know how you’re going to get me to Amsterdam today - I’m on the plane that’s emergency landing at JFK because you served passengers “contaminated” food - I don’t need hotel/food vouchers I need to arrive in Amsterdam today.”

A spokesperson for Delta Airlines said in a statement: “Delta flight 136 from Detroit to Amsterdam diverted to New York’s JFK early Wednesday morning after reports that a portion of the Main Cabin in-flight meal service were spoiled.

“Medical crews met the aircraft to treat any affected passengers and crew members. Delta’s Food Safety team has engaged our suppliers to immediately isolate the product and launch a thorough investigation into the incident.

“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 airline says that they are “currently working through the situation” and will provide further updates later today.

For more travel news and advice listen to Simon Calder’s podcast.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in