Several passengers fall ill on Qantas flight to Sydney; airline suspects they were sick before

SYDNEY – Several passengers who became ill while on a Qantas flight from Chile to Sydney have been met by ambulance officers at Sydney airport.

The airline said in a statement Thursday the passengers were part of the same tour group and were suspected to have contracted their gastro intestinal illness before they boarded flight QF28 in Santiago.

Qantas said the aircraft was met Thursday by medical staff to look after the sick passengers.

Nine Network television news said 20 passengers were treated by ambulance crews on arrival at Sydney.

Qantas said other passengers have been advised to keep a close eye on their health over the next two days and to seek medical advice if they become unwell.