Passengers with Parkinson’s disease are no longer required to present a medical certificate when flying with Turkish Airlines, following a public outcry over the treatment of a passenger with the condition who was denied boarding in Istanbul.
Previously, the company would ask travellers to provide a doctor’s report issued within ten days before the flight. The document had to state whether the passenger could travel ‘accompanied or unaccompanied’, and it had to include not only the doctor’s name and signature, but also his diploma number. In addition, it had to confirm that ‘there is no harm in travelling by plane’.
This rule created unnecessary costs and administrative hurdles for passengers with Parkinson’s disease.
Turkish Airlines is the only carrier with such a rule.
Turkish Airlines ensures the safety of each of its passengers. For this reason, passengers with Parkinson's disease can board flights with a doctor's report stating that there is "There is no risk of travel." It must also state whether the passenger can travel with or without a…
— TK HelpDesk (@TK_HelpDesk) October 28, 2025
Parkinson’s disease can affect movement and cause tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. The main risk posed by flying, however, is dehydration, which can easily be managed by the crew.
The policy came under intense scrutiny after Mark Mardell, a former BBC journalist with Parkinson’s disease, was prevented from boarding a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to London last October. Mardell had flown to Turkey without difficulty on another airline and said he was unaware of any special certification requirement when he arrived at the airport for his return flight.
'I feel that Parkinson's is seen as a bit of a Cinderella condition, a bit misunderstood'
— Ridge & Frost (@RidgeandFrost) December 2, 2025
Mark Mardell spoke to @SophyRidgeSky & @WilfredFrost about being blocked from boarding a plane because he has Parkinson's disease ⬇️https://t.co/O8NgudnmMC pic.twitter.com/C0fTrGErOQ
He said he felt humiliated when staff allegedly pointed to his shaking hands and refused to let him board without a doctor’s note. He spent the night in Istanbul and eventually bought a new ticket with Wizz Air to return to the UK. Turkish Airlines later refunded his original ticket, but, according to Mardell, they have not apologised.
Following a complaint to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and subsequent media coverage, the airline has removed the explicit reference to Parkinson’s disease from the English version of its website. It now states that ‘sick passengers’ may be required to provide a doctor’s report, issued within ten days of travel, confirming that they are fit to fly. The other languages, however, still list Parkinson as one of the conditions requiring a certificate, fuelling concerns about how uniformly the new policy is being applied.
The CAA has stated that there is no justification for singling out Parkinson’s disease, or any other disability, for special medical clearance unless there is a clear clinical risk. Parkinson’s UK also criticised the original policy as ‘ill-informed’, emphasising that most people with the condition can travel independently. Furthermore, both disability advocates and travel organisations have highlighted that the policy creates unjustified obstacles and perpetuates stigma for people with Parkinson’s.
Following an incident involving Mark Mardell, our CEO has written to Turkish Airlines.
— Parkinson's UK (@ParkinsonsUK) November 27, 2025
We urge them to change their unnecessary policies so people with Parkinson’s can travel freely. We’d be happy to offer training so they understand Parkinson’s better. pic.twitter.com/pHndMR3BTt
While the revised wording seems to align with standard international practices, Mardell and disability advocates are concerned that the term is too vague and could extend uncertainty to a broader group of travellers with long-term conditions. ‘What does “sick” mean? What illnesses count?’ asked Mardell.
The former UK Home Secretary, Lord Blunkett, welcomed the decision to remove the explicit requirement for people with Parkinson’s, and described Turkish Airlines’ original behaviour as ‘totally unacceptable’, urging the carrier to clarify the new policy and properly train staff.
The issue of accessibility in air travel is growing in importance worldwide. Airlines are increasingly expected to adopt policies that accommodate passengers with disabilities or medical conditions.
