Man, 68, Left Stranded After Airline Allegedly Refused to Let Him on Flight Due to Parkinson’s: ‘I Feel So Humiliated’

British Journalist Reportedly Barred from Flight Because of Parkinson’s

British journalist Mark Mardell, 68, claimed he was denied boarding by Turkish Airlines because of his Parkinson’s disease. According to Mardell, the incident left him “stranded and humiliated” after airport staff allegedly refused to let him board his flight home.

The Incident

Mardell said he was traveling alone and had disclosed his condition in advance, requesting standard assistance for passengers with mobility issues. However, upon arrival at the gate, he was reportedly told he could not fly unaccompanied due to his illness.

“I feel so humiliated. I’ve traveled on my own many times since my diagnosis without issue,”
said Mardell, describing the experience as discriminatory and distressing.

He explained that staff insisted on a medical certificate or an escort, even though he did not require special care beyond help with boarding.

Airline Response

Turkish Airlines has not issued a detailed public statement but indicated it is reviewing the situation. The company noted that its safety procedures occasionally require medical documentation for passengers with specific medical conditions.

Public Reaction

Social media users and disability advocates criticized the airline’s handling of the case, calling it an example of discrimination against people with neurological conditions. Many highlighted Mardell’s long career as a respected BBC journalist and expressed solidarity with him.

“People with Parkinson’s should not face barriers to travel. This is outdated and unacceptable,”
commented one advocate on X (formerly Twitter).

Mardell later confirmed he managed to return to the UK on another airline without complications.

Author’s Summary: Veteran journalist Mark Mardell says Turkish Airlines barred him from boarding alone due to Parkinson’s, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for fair treatment of disabled travelers.

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People on MSN People on MSN — 2025-11-30

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