Mark Mardell, a journalist and former BBC presenter, reported an incident where he was denied boarding a Turkish Airlines flight due to his Parkinson’s disease and the absence of a required doctor’s report. Mardell was traveling from Istanbul to Gatwick when airline staff informed him that he could not fly without documentation asserting he was “fit to fly.” He expressed surprise at the airline’s policy, noting that he was previously unaware of such requirements.
In a Facebook post, Mardell emphasized that he had successfully traveled with other airlines without facing similar issues. He highlighted the fact that Turkish Airlines stands out for its demand for a doctor’s note, which must confirm that the passenger can travel safely. The company’s website states that this report should specify that traveling poses no harm and be dated within the last ten days.
Mardell mentioned having checked in his suitcase before being informed of the boarding condition, and he asserted that he had not been intoxicated or disruptive. He criticized the airline’s policy as discriminatory towards individuals with Parkinson’s, referencing other major airlines, such as British Airways and Emirates, that do not require such documentation.
The incident caused Mardell considerable inconvenience, as he had to rebook his flight with a different airline and spend an extra night in Istanbul. He subsequently returned home with Wizz Air the following day. Mardell aims to raise awareness about the airline’s policy, expressing concern that it could negatively affect others with similar medical conditions. Turkish Airlines has been approached for comment regarding this situation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9dx4zgzjzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss