Passengers unite against “crazy racist woman” on Thomas Cook flight

Tenerife, Spain - January 15, 2016: Thomas Cook Airbus 321 is taking off from Tenerife South airport on January 15, 2016.Thomas Cook Airlines, is a British charter airline based in Manchester, England.o

A flight was delayed for over an hour when two women refused to fly on the same plane as three men in white prayer robes.

The Thomas Cook flight was preparing to take off from Dalaman, Turkey to London Gatwick on Friday morning when one of the women began a racist tirade against the men, The Sun reported.

Witnesses said a woman who appeared to be in her 30s referred to the robed men as “terrorists” and told staff they were “disgusting” for making her fly with them, adding “it shouldn’t be allowed.”

See also: Thomas Cook rescue deal could do more harm than good, says expert

Shamea Oldham, who was on board the flight told the Daily Mirror the woman stood at the front of the plane screaming abuse.

“She kept saying she didn’t want to fly with them and refused to let the plane take off with them onboard,” Oldham said.

“She said the other passengers were disturbed to want to fly with them.”

Another passenger, Mario Van Poppel, said via Twitter that all passengers were “united in anger against this crazy racist woman”.

Other passengers claimed the woman’s tirade had reduced some passengers to tears.

“The Muslim men were offended but they kept their cool,” Van Poppel told The Sun.

A spokesperson for the airline confirmed the incident and said the two women were removed from the aircraft by police “following offensive behaviour onboard”.

“The safety of our customers and crew is always our first priority and we do not accept this kind of behaviour on our aircraft,” the spokesperson said.

“We are sorry to our customers for the delay this caused to their flight.”

Latest News

  • Sustainability
  • Wholesalers

The Intrepid Foundation launches appeal to support Northern Vietnamese communities following Typhoon Yagi

Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, to support impacted communities in Northern Vietnam following Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall on 7 September, 2024. All funds raised through the appeal will go directly to grassroots organisation Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, to provide immediate relief to thousands without shelter, food […]

  • Aviation

Philippine Airlines and VietJet look to community connection near Western Sydney Airport

Both Philippine Airlines and VietJet will explore services from Western Sydney Airport with the airport’s proximity to the Filipino and Vietnamese diaspora in Sydney potentially beneficial to both carriers. Philippine Airlines VP revenue management and commercial planning Alex Featherstone, speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, said the carrier would “explore” the potential […]

  • Tourism

Australian Cycle Tours adds new cycle trip to the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

Australian Cycle Tours has added a new, extended cycle trip that includes all sections of the popular Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. The new trip commences in Beechworth with the first two days cycling with a transfer back to Beechworth, before continuing to Myrtleford and Bright, with a cycle on the newest sections of […]

  • Events
  • News

Anangu Communities Foundation raises $75,000 at its third annual Sydney fundraiser

Generous supporters gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for the third annual Anangu Communities Foundation Sydney fundraiser to help raise $75,000. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia administers the Foundation which so far has funded over $3 million in projects to support Anangu communities of Central Australia with a focus on building community capacity in healthcare, […]

  • News
  • Travel Agents

‘Virtuoso on Tour’ photos: Virtuoso showcases its best to agent base

Virtuoso hosted its second annual Virtuoso On Tour,  a destinations event at the ICC in Sydney showcasing tour operators, tourism boards and more to its agent family. The event is designed for travel agency members in Australia and New Zealand to network with Virtuoso partners across the globe. It housed six destination-themed pavilions (Australia & […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

The NT tops list of hidden gem attractions out of Aussie states

As Australia steps into spring with temperatures set to rise above average, new research has revealed the states with the most must-see hidden gem attractions with the great outdoors proving a winner! The study, conducted by travel and luggage experts at Bounce, used Tripadvisor and search data to uncover Australia’s most treasured destinations. The Northern […]

  • Health & Wellness
  • Hotels

Fusion Hotel Group celebrates World Wellness Weekend

Vietnam’s wellness-inspired Fusion Hotel Group is celebrating World Wellness Weekend from 20-22 September with yoga and other healthy living activities. Fusion Hotel Group has introduced a series of events and activities for guests at five of its luxury beachfront resorts in Vietnam to World Wellness Weekend. The exclusive offers include yoga, meditation, onsen baths, Zumba, […]

  • Hotels

InterContinental Wellington unveils new Health Club and Classic Rooms makeover

InterContinental Wellington has announced the completion of its newly revamped Health Club and a stylish makeover of its Classic Rooms. Bringing a new level of luxury to its 79 Classic Rooms, including eight accessible rooms, the hotel has meticulously re-styled these spaces in collaboration with Y-6, an acclaimed Interior Architecture and Design studio based in […]