Passenger vomits 30 times on flight after in-flight meal
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
A British traveler endured a nightmare flight from Manchester to Abu Dhabi after consuming an in-flight pasta meal that left him violently ill.
Within minutes of eating the dish, which he described as having a strange odor, he began vomiting uncontrollably—ultimately around 30 times. The six-hour journey turned according to NDTV World and other media outlets into a distressing ordeal, ending with airport medical staff assisting him upon landing. Now, he is seeking answers from Etihad Airways, questioning the safety of the food served onboard.
Diarrhea
In January 2025, British traveler Cameron Callaghan, 27, experienced a severe medical episode during a six-hour Etihad Airways flight from Manchester to Abu Dhabi. After consuming a «tomato, cheesy, chicken pasta» meal provided onboard, Callaghan began experiencing acute gastrointestinal distress approximately 20 minutes later. He reported vomiting around 30 times and suffering from diarrhea throughout the flight.
Transported with wheelchair
Due to his deteriorating condition, Callaghan was unable to disembark without assistance upon arrival in Abu Dhabi. Airport staff transported him via wheelchair to the medical facility, where he received intravenous fluids and anti-nausea medication. The illness significantly impacted the initial days of his planned vacation in Thailand, leaving him bedridden and severely dehydrated.
Unusual odor
Callaghan suspects that the in-flight meal may have been improperly stored, especially considering the flight's five-hour delay prior to departure. He noted that the dish had an unusual odor but consumed it nonetheless due to hunger. In contrast, Etihad Airways maintains that their food is prepared and stored under strict temperature-controlled conditions to ensure safety and quality. The airline also highlighted that no other passengers reported similar symptoms after consuming the same meal.
«We take all such matters very seriously and investigate thoroughly. Our food on this flight, as with all our flights, was prepared and stored under strict temperature-controlled conditions to ensure safety and quality.»
Seeking refund
Unsatisfied with the airline's response, Callaghan is seeking a refund and an official apology, expressing concerns about future air travel and in-flight meals. He mentioned plans to avoid eating during his return flight to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
No other passengers get problem
Etihad Airways has officially addressed the incident involving passenger Cameron Callaghan, who reported severe illness after consuming an in-flight meal. The airline stated:
«We take all such matters very seriously and investigate thoroughly. Our food on this flight, as with all our flights, was prepared and stored under strict temperature-controlled conditions to ensure safety and quality.»
Etihad also noted that no other passengers reported similar symptoms after consuming the same meal.
Key facts - Etihad Airways:
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. Its main hub is Abu Dhabi International Airport, from which it operates flights to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Fleet and operations
Etihad operates a modern fleet of nearly 100 aircraft, including Airbus and Boeing models. The airline focuses on providing high-quality service and is known for its premium offerings in both economy and business classes.
Passenger traffic and employees
In 2025, Etihad is expected to carry millions of passengers as it continues to expand its global presence. The airline employs over 8,000 people worldwide, supporting its operations and customer service.
Ratings and service quality
Etihad is highly rated for its hospitality, in-flight service, and comfortable cabin experience. It competes with major international carriers, maintaining a reputation for luxury and efficiency.
Future growth
With ambitious expansion plans, Etihad aims to grow its network and fleet in the coming years. The airline is also exploring new business strategies, including potential investments and partnerships, to strengthen its position in the aviation industry.
Etihad Airways has made several strategic aircraft orders to modernize and expand its fleet:
Airbus A350-1000: The airline currently operates five A350-1000s and has fifteen more on firm order from Airbus.
Airbus A350 Freighters: Etihad has exercised an option for three additional A350 freighters, increasing its total order to ten aircraft.
Boeing 777X: The airline has orders for eight B777-8s and seventeen B777-9s.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner: Etihad has orders for eight more B787-9s and twenty B787-10s.
Airbus A321neo: The airline has twenty A321-200Ns and one A321-200NX on order.
