A British traveler has gone viral after accusing Turkish Airlines and airport staff in Istanbul of racial discrimination, alleging that they received unfair treatment because they are Black and urging other Black and Brown travelers to avoid the airline.
The traveler, who shared their experience in a video posted on social media, recounted what they described as a series of frustrating incidents during a return trip from Italy to Lagos via Istanbul.
They alleged that the problems began at the start of their journey when their checked luggage failed to arrive in Italy.
According to them, only two passengers on her flight—including themself and another Black traveler—were left without their bags after landing.
They said airline officials never provided a clear explanation for why the luggage was left behind in Istanbul.
Claims she was denied assistance before missing her flight
The traveler said the most distressing part of the trip occurred during their return journey, when they had a 14-hour layover in Istanbul.
As a British passport holder, they left the airport to explore the city before returning in time for their connecting flight to Lagos.
However, they explained that unexpected transportation delays caused by a rail replacement bus and heavy traffic meant they arrived at the airport just minutes before boarding.
Although they had already checked in online, had their boarding pass, and was traveling with only hand luggage, they encountered long security lines.
They said they politely asked an airport staff member if they could briefly use the fast-track queue because they were about to miss their flight.
According to their account, the request was dismissed.
They further alleged that moments later, the same staff member allowed several other passengers—whom they described as white—to move into the fast-track lane.
The traveler ultimately missed her flight.
Dispute over rebooking
After missing the departure, they approached a Turkish Airlines customer service desk seeking to be rebooked.
They claimed they referred to what she described as a “flat tire rule,” a policy sometimes used by airlines to accommodate passengers who narrowly miss departures under exceptional circumstances.
According to them, after a lengthy wait, they were informed they would have to pay $545 to travel on the next day’s flight.
Dissatisfied with the response, they declined the offer and instead booked a ticket with Qatar Airways.
Praises Qatar Airways
In contrast to their criticism of Turkish Airlines, the traveler praised Qatar Airways, saying they immediately felt welcomed and cared for once they boarded her replacement flight through Doha.
They described the airline’s staff and airport experience as professional and courteous, saying the difference in service was noticeable.
“I just felt safe. I felt taken care of,” they said, adding that the experience restored their confidence after what they called one of the worst travel experiences they had ever encountered.
Allegations remain unverified
The traveler concluded their video by accusing Turkish Airlines of discriminatory treatment toward Black passengers and urged Black and Brown travelers not to use the carrier.
Turkish Airlines has not publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in the viral video, and the claims have not been independently verified.
The incident has sparked discussion on social media, with users divided between expressing support for the traveler and calling for further evidence before drawing conclusions about the airline’s conduct.
