'I Began To Eat Chicken Curry, Immediately My Throat...': British TV Star Jack Fowler Suffers In-Flight Allergy

UK reality TV star Jack Fowler recounted a harrowing experience aboard a flight to Dubai, where he suffered a severe allergic reaction due to a meal containing nuts, despite having informed the flight crew of his nut allergy beforehand.

In an Instagram post, the former ‘Love Island’ participant described the incident as a case of “complete negligence” on the part of Emirates Airline, which he claimed put his life at risk. According to Fowler, he explicitly notified the flight attendant about his severe allergy to nuts before selecting a chicken curry meal.

Reassured twice by the attendant that the meal was nut-free, Fowler began eating, only to immediately experience throat closure and difficulty breathing. “I told a flight attendant I couldn’t breathe and asked again about nuts in the food. Again, I was assured there were none,” Fowler recounted in his post. It was only when a friend noticed the menu that they discovered the curry contained cashews, triggering Fowler’s allergic reaction.

As his condition rapidly deteriorated mid-flight, Fowler informed the flight supervisor that he feared he might not survive the journey without immediate medical intervention. Upon landing at Dubai Airport, he was swiftly rushed to a hospital, where he received emergency treatment, including five tanks of oxygen and an EpiPen injection.

Reflecting on the incident, Fowler rebuked Emirates Airline for what he said was an “unacceptable” action that endangered his life. He hoped that his experience would prompt airlines and cabin crews to prioritise passenger safety and improve their handling of medical emergencies.

In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Emirates apologised for Fowler’s ordeal. While acknowledging their efforts to cater to passengers with specific needs through special meal options, the spokesperson noted that Emirates cannot guarantee a completely nut-free environment onboard.

The incident has sparked discussions about airline responsibilities regarding passenger health and safety, particularly in managing food allergies during flights. It serves as a reminder for travelers with dietary or medical requirements to diligently inform airlines and consult their healthcare providers before traveling to ensure their safety.