A British holidaymaker has accused Turkish Airlines of discrimination after he was removed from a flight due to his nut allergy. Josh Silver, 25, from Waltham Abbey, Essex, was returning to Gatwick from Antalya with his girlfriend, Flavia Ivanaj, when he informed cabin crew of his condition.
Mr Silver said he was escorted off the plane by Turkish police after staff stated it was against policy to fly 'someone like him'. The airline's website instructs passengers with allergies to inform them in advance for in-flight meals. A spokesman said no such information was provided until boarding, making it too late to take precautions.
Mr Silver, who has a non-airborne nut allergy that only affects him if he consumes nuts, said he had previously informed check-in staff and was cleared to travel. He offered not to eat or drink during the flight, but police were called to remove him. He described the experience as discriminatory, noting he had a medical kit with him.
The couple was eventually told they could fly home but would need to purchase new tickets. Mr Silver criticised the airline's inconsistent policy, stating they should not have flown him out if they would not bring him back.
