Passenger infected with COVID-19 is pulled off Ryanair flight by hazmat-clad officials

 

Dramatic footage has captured the moment a Coronavirus patient was pulled out of a Ryanair flight by Hazmat suit-wearing health officials.

 

The incident happened minutes before takeoff on a Pisa-bound flight from London Stansted Airport on Wednesday, August 26.

 

The clip, posted by Twitter user @FionnMurphy10, shows three officials covered in full protective gear approach a man at the front of the plane.

 

The passenger and his travel companion stayed on the plane for less than 10 minutes before the officials removed them from the plane, Ryanair said.

 

A spokesperson for Ryanair told Daily Star Online: "A passenger who boarded a flight from London Stansted to Pisa on Wed 26 Aug, received a text message notification before departure that he had tested positive for Covid-19.

 

"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 10 mins) 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 1hr 20 mins to allow for the empty seats and overhead cabin bins to be disinfected to comply with all UK health authority guidance. Ryanair apologises to all passengers for this short delay."