A traveler from the UK voiced his dissatisfaction with an airline after experiencing suspected food poisoning on a turbulent flight. Cameron Callaghan, aged 27, took a six-hour journey from Manchester to Bangkok via Abu Dhabi on January 6. What was supposed to be a thrilling adventure across South East Asia turned into a nightmare onboard an Etihad Airways flight.
Cameron alleged that he fell ill after consuming a tomato and chicken pasta meal served shortly after departure, leading to repeated vomiting and diarrhea. He described his distressing experience of being confined to the bathroom floor in a fetal position due to severe sickness. Struggling to cope, he had to rely on the assistance of a flight attendant who reserved the lavatory for his frequent bouts of illness.
The flight, delayed by five hours, triggered Cameron’s belief that the food might have been mishandled during the extended waiting period. Contrary to his claims, Etihad Airways maintained that they adhered to stringent temperature-controlled guidelines for food preparation and storage, and no other passengers who ate the same meal reported any issues.
Hailing from Bolton, Greater Manchester, Cameron described the ordeal as a “flight from hell” where he quickly succumbed to sickness post-meal consumption. He emphasized feeling too weak to stand, necessitating a wheelchair upon landing in Abu Dhabi. Subsequently, medical attention was provided at the airport, where he received intravenous fluids and anti-sickness treatment.
Reflecting on the ordeal’s impact, Cameron lamented the setback it caused to his holiday, expressing frustration with the airline’s handling of the situation. He demanded accountability, an apology, and possibly a refund for the distress caused by the suspected food poisoning incident. The harrowing experience left him debilitated for days, dampening the initial excitement of his trip to Bangkok.
Despite the passenger’s complaints, Etihad Airways spokesperson reassured that the airline takes such matters seriously, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining food safety standards and ensuring passenger well-being. They highlighted the absence of similar illness reports from other passengers who consumed the same meal on the flight, underscoring their dedication to passenger and crew safety.