Summary
Former BBC presenter Mark Mardell was unable to board a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Gatwick because he did not have a doctor's note stating it was safe for him to fly with Parkinson's disease. This requirement was not communicated to him beforehand, despite having traveled with the airline before. Mardell has since flown home with a different airline and shared his experience to inform others with Parkinson's about the policy.
Key Facts
- Mark Mardell, an ex-BBC presenter with Parkinson's disease, was not allowed to board a Turkish Airlines flight.
- He was told he needed a recent doctor's note confirming it was safe for him to travel by plane.
- Mardell only learned of this requirement at the airport, despite having flown with Turkish Airlines in the past.
- He managed to travel back to the UK with another airline, Wizz Air, the next day.
- Mardell shared his experience publicly to raise awareness about Turkish Airlines' policy.
- Turkish Airlines requires passengers with Parkinson's to have a doctor's note stating they can safely fly.
