Turkish Airlines has officially removed a contentious rule that singled out passengers with Parkinson's disease, demanding they present a medical certificate before being allowed to fly.
Broadcaster's Ordeal Sparks Policy Review
The airline's decision to amend its regulations comes directly after a high-profile incident involving the former BBC correspondent Mark Mardell. Mr Mardell was denied boarding on a flight from Istanbul to London because of his Parkinson's diagnosis and the carrier's previous requirement.
The old policy was uniquely strict, stipulating that affected travellers must obtain a doctor's report at least ten days in advance of their journey, confirming they were fit to travel. This was a demand not commonly enforced by other major airlines.
A New, Ambiguous Rule Replaces the Old
While the explicit reference to Parkinson's disease has now been deleted from the airline's conditions, the change has not provided complete clarity. Turkish Airlines now states that "sick passengers" must provide a doctor's note.
This broad and undefined terminology has led to fresh concerns about ambiguity, potentially leaving the door open for inconsistent application of the rule by ground staff and causing anxiety for passengers with various long-term conditions.
Campaigners Welcome Change But Highlight Ongoing Issues
Mr Mardell and the former Home Secretary Lord Blunkett have welcomed the policy amendment as a significant step forward. However, they have pointed out several unresolved problems stemming from the original incident.
Key ongoing issues include:
- The lack of a direct apology from the airline to Mr Mardell.
- Inconsistencies in the updated policy across the airline's different language websites.
- An urgent need for comprehensive retraining of staff to ensure the new guidelines are understood and applied correctly and sensitively.
The policy shift was confirmed on Wednesday 3 December 2025. While a major barrier has been lifted, the episode underscores the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities in navigating airline regulations and the critical importance of clear, fair, and consistently applied policies.
