Plane with sick passengers lands in New York

An Emirates plane carrying sick passengers was quarantined at New York's John F Kennedy Airport on Wednesday.

According to Eric Phillips, a spokesman for Mayor Bill de Blasio, there were 10 ill passengers aboard the flight from Dubai, who are now headed to hospital.

"10 sick people off the plane and heading to Jamaica Hospital. Health officialls taking others off one by one checking for symptoms. About 40 cleared and going to customs. A few others showing symptoms and being held for treatment and possible transport to hospital," read the tweet.

In an earlier tweet, Philips informed that the flight "stopped in Mecca, which is experiencing a flu outbreak."

The airline had released a statement, confirming the news. "Emirates can confirm that about 10 passengers on EK203 from Dubai to New York were taken ill. On arrival, as a precaution, they were attended to by local health authorities. All others will disembark shortly. The safety and care of our customers is our first priority," read the statement.

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