Turkish Airlines removes controversial Parkinson’s warning – but passengers’ fears remain
Airline removes controversial medical certificate requirement
- Turkish Airlines has removed a controversial policy that mandated passengers with Parkinson's disease present a medical certificate before flying.
- The policy change follows broadcaster Mark Mardell being denied boarding on an Istanbul-London flight due to his Parkinson's and the airline's previous requirement.
- The former rule stipulated a doctor's report, obtained at least 10 days in advance, confirming the passenger could travel, a unique demand among airlines.
- While the explicit reference to Parkinson's has been removed, the airline now states that “sick passengers” must provide a doctor's note, leading to concerns about the new policy's ambiguity.
- Mr Mardell and Lord Blunkett have welcomed the amendment but raised ongoing issues, including the lack of a direct apology, inconsistent policy across different language websites, and the need for staff retraining.