The excesses of Turkish Airlines in Nigeria may have reached their peak as a Nigerian passenger living with disability who suffered racism and bigotry at the hands of airline officials is demanding the sum of $6, 000,000.00 (six million dollars) from the airline as compensation for her maltreatment.

The affected individual, identified as a businesswoman and frequent flyer with Turkish Airlines, claims to have suffered verbal and emotional abuse from the airline officials in Istanbul, with no consideration for her disability.

The treatment she endured, characterized as inhumane by her solicitors, has not only taken an emotional and psychological toll, but it has also led to her developing a fear of flying in addition to the financial losses she incurred.

In a notice letter drafted by the legal representatives of the aggrieved passenger, Ms. Margaret Arinola Adeyileka of Pekun Sowole & Co, titled “Re: Claim for Compensation/Damages Arising from Breach of Contract, Racism and Inhuman Treatment Meted out to Ms. Margaret Arinnola Adeyileka,” dated August 8, 2023, the solicitors voiced their grievances over the uncivilized experience she encountered at the hands of airline officials in April of the same year.

The solicitors, representing the passenger, communicated their client’s situation as follows: she is an individual living with a disability and relies on a wheelchair for mobility. She is also a member of the airline’s Miles & Smiles frequent flyer program with membership number TK 526718516.

On April 4, 2023, she was scheduled to travel from Lagos to Istanbul, Turkey, on flight TK 0626, en route to her final destination in London, United Kingdom. Her itinerary involved a six-day business stay in Istanbul before proceeding to London.

Upon arrival at Murtala Muhamed International Airport, she completed the check-in formalities without incident and subsequently boarded the flight. Of note is her reliance on her wheelchair (scooter) for mobility, which was also checked in on the flight.

However, upon her arrival in Istanbul, she discovered her scooter had sustained severe damage and was rendered inoperable. Despite her complaints to the luggage terminal personnel, she received no assistance, leaving her stranded without an immediate solution to her predicament.

The subsequent treatment of her complaint, according to the letter, was degrading and humiliating, leaving her feeling extremely embarrassed and belittled.

The letter also outlines her experiences during her stay in Istanbul, her return flight to London, and the further distressing circumstances she faced, including a long layover in Istanbul without provisions.

Despite numerous complaints sent by her solicitors, the passenger received no tangible response from Turkish Airlines, prompting her legal representatives to give the airline a 14-day notice, starting from August 8, 2023, to compensate the disabled passenger with $600,000 or face legal action.

The solicitors’ claims against the airline include $5,000,000 for damages and compensation, $500,000 for legal fees, $3,000 for a new scooter/wheelchair, $10,000 for the loss of two business days in Istanbul, $1,000 for the cost of hiring assistance from London to Istanbul, and additional compensations for medical fees, counseling, therapy, and travel costs.

The letter concludes by urging Turkish Airlines to settle the stated claims within 14 days, warning of legal action if the airline fails to address the situation in a timely manner.