Hazmat squad board Ryanair jet to remove infected passenger
TOURISTS on a Ryanair flight bound for Italy from London Stansted were left shocked yesterday as hazmat-clad officials rushed on board to remove a passenger who had just been told he had coronavirus.
The passenger and his travel companion were taken from the plane minutes before it was due to take off and moved to the airport’s isolation area, where they were met by health staff.
Their seats and the overhead cabin bins were then disinfected before the plane took off for Pisa one hour and 40 minutes behind schedule, according to Flight Radar, an internet service which tracks flights.
Ryanair said in a statement that the passenger received a text message minutes before his departure that he had tested positive for Covid-19.
By leaving home and boarding the flight the passenger, who has not been named, was in breach of quarantine restrictions. It was not known if he was showing symptoms.
The spokesman said: ‘The passenger and his travel companion were immediately offloaded and taken to a Stansted Airport isolation area where they were assisted by local public health authorities.
‘Since this passenger and his companion had complied fully with Ryanair health regulations, they were both wearing masks at all times at Stansted Airport and for the very short period (less than ten minutes) they were seated on the aircraft prior to departure.
‘There was little if any risk of Covid-19 transmission to other passengers or crew members as all of whom were also wearing face masks at all times.
‘The aircraft departed for Pisa following a delay of 1 hour and 20 mins to allow for the empty seats and overhead cabin bins to be disinfected to comply with all UK health authority guidance.’
Video footage of the incident shows three airport emergency workers dressed head-to-toe in protective gear approaching the individual as a crew member tried to keep other passengers in their seats.
The Ryanair flight continued to Pisa. It is believed no other passengers were required to self-isolate.
‘Immediately offloaded’