Air travel is often stressful enough without unexpected hurdles, especially when medical conditions come into play. Recently, journalist Mark Mardell—former BBC Newsnight political editor—shared how Turkish Airlines denied him boarding because he lives with Parkinson’s disease.
His story raised a pressing question: what medical conditions can airlines reasonably ask about before allowing someone to fly?
When Airlines Decide a Passenger Isn’t “Fit to Fly”
Mark Mardell was set to fly from Istanbul to London Gatwick. He had checked in, sent his luggage down the chute, and was ready to pass through security—until Turkish Airlines staff informed him he couldn’t board. The reason wasn’t related to behavior, timing, or documentation. It was Parkinson’s.
Ground staff insisted that before he could fly, Mardell needed a doctor’s report stating: “There is no harm in travelling by plane.” The broadcaster, who co-hosts the Movers & Shakers podcast alongside Jeremy Paxman and others living with Parkinson’s, was left stranded at Istanbul Airport for seven hours retrieving his baggage. He eventually flew home the next day with Wizz Air—without incident.
Turkish Airlines later stated that passengers with Parkinson’s must provide medical documentation confirming they can travel safely, either accompanied or alone.
Why Airlines Care About Passenger Health
Airlines aren’t doctors, but they do bear responsibility for the safety and well-being of everyone on board. Before departure, carriers often assess whether a passenger’s health could pose a risk to themselves or others. Common concerns include:
1. Contagious illnesses that could spread during the flight
2. Conditions that might worsen due to cabin pressure changes
3. Situations that could lead to costly emergency landings
Certain medical situations draw closer scrutiny, such as:
1. Unstable heart or lung conditions that could be aggravated mid-flight
2. Recent surgeries, where trapped air in the body may expand
3. Full plaster casts, which can cause painful swelling in low cabin pressure
4. Late-stage pregnancy, especially after 28 weeks
Airlines aim to prevent mid-air medical emergencies whenever possible. Diverting a plane is no small task—it’s expensive, disruptive, and stressful for everyone onboard.
The Real Cost of Mid-Air Medical Emergencies
When a passenger becomes seriously ill in flight, pilots have no choice but to divert. While lifesaving, such diversions can lead to significant delays and costs. For instance, a British Airways flight from the Bahamas to London had to land in Newfoundland for a medical emergency. The delay pushed the crew past their legal working hours, forcing another stop in Iceland before fresh staff could be sent to complete the trip.
These diversions are occurring more frequently, particularly among European and North American airlines. Three main factors contribute:
1. Older passengers make up a growing share of travelers.
2. Larger aircraft increase the odds that someone onboard may fall ill.
3. Longer routes mean greater exposure time to medical issues.
Do Conditions Like Parkinson’s Pose a Real Risk?
For many health conditions, including Parkinson’s, the answer is no. Parkinson’s disease affects movement and may cause tremors, but it doesn’t make flying inherently dangerous. Parkinson’s UK advises travelers to stay hydrated, especially if prone to low blood pressure, and to inform cabin crew so they can offer extra support or refreshments during the flight.
There’s no evidence that individuals with Parkinson’s create safety risks for others. Turkish Airlines’ policy stands out, as few other carriers require such documentation for neurological or developmental conditions like Parkinson’s or autism.
Turkish Airlines’ Official Policy
According to Turkish Airlines’ website, passengers with Parkinson’s must submit a doctor’s report—written in Turkish or English—at least ten days before flying. The report must include the physician’s name, diploma number, signature, and explicitly state: “There is no harm in travelling by plane.”
Similarly, travelers with autism who plan to fly alone must provide medical confirmation that they can do so safely.
Interestingly, Turkish Airlines also offers discounted fares for passengers with disabilities—20% off domestic and 25% off international routes for Turkish citizens, or foreign travelers presenting official disability certification from their own country.
Could Airlines Become Stricter About Medical Checks?
There’s growing speculation that carriers may expand medical screening for certain travelers, particularly older adults taking long-haul flights. The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority notes that most in-flight medical emergencies occur when an airline isn’t aware of a passenger’s pre-existing condition.
Future airline policies might include mandatory medical questionnaires for travelers over a certain age—perhaps 80—on long international routes.
Understanding What’s Reasonable
While airlines have a duty to ensure passenger safety, requiring detailed medical proof for stable conditions like Parkinson’s raises ethical questions. Transparency, consistency, and compassion are essential. Clear guidelines across the aviation industry could help prevent confusion and avoid discriminatory treatment of travelers living with chronic but manageable conditions.
Air travel should remain accessible to everyone capable of flying safely—and policies should reflect that balance between caution and respect.