British Airway crew member struck down with monkeypox – sparking massive delay to London-bound flight

A DIPLOMATIC incident was brewing today after a British Airways crew member was struck down by monkeypox in Singapore. Government officials were in talks with authorities in Asia after they demanded the steward’s entire crew quarantine alongside their infected colleague for 21 days. AlamyThe BA flight back to London was delayed for six hours (file photo)[/caption] BA and the Home Office were trying to get permission to charter a plane to bring the rest of the staff home for further testing. Flight BA16 back to London was delayed for six hours today while the legal wrangle unfolded. The infected crew member had worked on the flight out from Heathrow to Singapore, before completing the leg from Asia to Sydney. He enjoyed downtime in Oz with the rest of his airline pals. Read More on Monkeypox JABS UP Vaccines to be rolled out to more Brits as monkeypox spreads - are you eligible? 'SAFE' SEX Bizarre guidance tells monkeypox patients to ‘masturbate six feet from partner’ But after the return flight from Australia to Singapore, the steward tested positive for monkeypox. It meant he was immediately quarantined and banned from working on the final return flight to London. But a row broke out when Singapore authorities insisted a further nine crew and two technical BA staff also remain there in quarantine. A source said last night: “BA is desperate to bring its workforce home and have them in quarantine in Britain if needs be. Most read in The Sun BEST OF ENEMIES Grealish parties in Las Vegas pool with huge Prem rival - can you spot who? 'SO OBVIOUS' Love Island fans spot 'clue' to who has been dumped from the villa 'no way' Love Island branded a 'fix' as Gemma ISN'T in the bottom three HOLS HELL Holidays ruined for easyJet customers as airline 'plans to cut 10k flights' 'cried an ocean' X Factor star heartbroken after death of fiancée, 34, on their wedding day PULLED FOR A CHAT I can tell where Love Island bosses have intervened, says Liberty Poole “They have put forward the idea of chartering a plane at great expense so the crew members won’t go near any other members of the public. “But Singapore authorities have said ‘no’ and want everyone to stay – in case other crew members test positive for monkeypox. “It is an awkward situation and the government is now trying to prevent this becoming a diplomatic incident.” Last night oblivious passengers due to board BA16 from Singapore to Heathrow had no idea of the monkeypox drama. Passenger Tan Lay-Kok hit out online: “Got an unpleasant surprise when I checked my upcoming booking on BA16 from SIN to LHR to find it will be delayed by 6 hours.” A second unaffected BA crew in Singapore was due to work on the delayed flight back to the UK while the row continued behind the scenes. As of June 20, there are 793 confirmed infections in the UK. Of these cases, 766 are in England, 18 are in Scotland, three are in Northern Ireland and six are in Wales. In recent weeks around 2,103 cases have been detected globally, the most recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO) states. Anyone can get the illness – more so if you have been in contact or had sexual contact with a person who has symptoms. Health Promotion Specialist at Terrence Higgins Trust, Alex Sparrow, said a new targeted vaccination programme is a positive move. Data still shows monkeypox is disproportionately affecting gay and bisexual men in the UK. Read More on The Sun MAMMA MIA I’m a mum of 34 kids at 23 - we sleep at 7pm but I’m up ALL night as they wake FLY OVER Travellers told avoid flying on certain days - as Ryanair boss warns chaos to stay A British Airways spokesperson told The Sun this evening: “We’re working closely with the Singapore Health Authorities and have offered assistance with any information they require. “We’re in contact with our crew and providing the necessary support. Getty - ContributorThe BA steward tested positive for monkeypox after arriving at Singapore’s international airport[/caption] We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun news desk? Email us at exclusive@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks.