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NewsPassenger with medical exemption is kicked off easyJet flight for not wearing...

Passenger with medical exemption is kicked off easyJet flight for not wearing mask

THIS is the moment a man with a medical exemption is hauled off an easyJet plane for not wearing a mask.

Brian Spinks, who has lung damage from a bout of Whooping cough, filmed the moment police boarded his Luton to Edinburgh flight, after staff apparently refused to accept his condition.

The 46-year-old explained that he did not have a medical letter, as they are not being issued by the Scottish government, but was still asked to leave the flight on Tuesday [8 Sep].

The ICT engineer from Falkirk, Stirlingshire was left “shaken” by the ordeal, which saw other passengers brand him “a selfish p****” and a “waste of time”.

Brian was subsequently left “stranded” in London, and ended up forking out an extra £70 to get the train home.

As the video begins, Brian is seen talking to the camera and explaining the situation, claiming that a passenger also tried to “assault” him by grabbing his phone.

He then films as officers make their way down the aisle, as they arrive he informs them he has paid for the £82 flight.

However, the police woman responds: “I understand that sir, but if you’re not willing to wear a mask on the flight I’m afraid you’re going to have to come with us.”

Brian Spinks leaving plane
Brian was verbally abused as he got off the plane. (Image: Brian Spinks)

Brian reiterates that he has an exemption, however the officer informs him that without certification he will have to disembark.

He continues to debate with the officer, pointing out that he legally does not need to show a letter due to GDPR.

However, the police conclude that easyJet’s rules apply as the aircraft is private property.

As Brian leaves, other passengers hurl sarcastic remarks at him and begin applauding while calling him a “selfish p*” and “an absolute d***head”.

Brian vacates the aircraft and is met with a group of officers who await to take him off the tarmac.

As the clip ends, Brian is seen bundled in the back of police van heading back to immigration.

police officers
Brian was met by officers on the tarmac. (Image: Brian Spinks)

The video was shared on Twitter yesterday [Wed] by Brian’s friend Philip MacFarlane, who complained to easyJet.

Their social media team responded to the clip, saying: “For the safety of all onboard and in line with EASA guidelines, all customers are required to wear a face covering.

“We know some passengers may not be able to and so we inform all customers of this ahead of travel and of what to do if they require an exemption.

“As well as a medical certificate, customers can alternatively provide a relevant document from a government website or lanyard.”

The clip has prompted a backlash from social media users who appear to back easyJet’s position.

@Rachie50 wrote: “Well I’m sorry but I actually support Easyjet on this. In the end the safety of all on the flight must be paramount.

easyJet staff
easyJet staff called police when Brian could not produce a medical letter.

“Perhaps those who have a genuine medical reason for not wearing a mask should not fly.”

@stokebhoy added: “Well done easyJet, people need to abide by the new rules to keep others safe.”

But @Seery03 said: “Hopefully he takes legal action.”

Speaking today, Brian revealed the “terrifying” ordeal has left him feeling like he can no longer fly.

He said: “It was actually horrendous, I can’t believe the way people speak to each other and the torrent of abuse I received. How have we as a society got this point?

“I’m already vulnerable because of my condition. They are picking on the most vulnerable in society and it is sickening. It is so discriminatory.

Brian Spinks
Brian was left “physically shaking” after the ordeal. (Image: Brian Spinks)

“Wearing a mask on a plane for me is an impossibility because of my condition. The air steward became quite aggressive and thrust a mask towards my face.

“Other passengers began to shout abuse at me at this point also and the steward did nothing to intervene.

“I became very concerned for my safety at this point and started filming. The air steward became even more aggressive when I started recording.”

“By the end of it I was in quite a bad way and just absolutely exhausted.”

An easyJet spokesman said: “The primary responsibility of our crew is for the health and wellbeing of all customers onboard. During the pandemic this is more important than ever.

“As Mr Spinks refused to state a reason for exemption or provide any exemption documentation, we were unable to allow him to travel and as a result of disruptive behaviour towards our crew, police were required to attend the aircraft and escort him from the flight.

“For the safety of all onboard and in line with EASA guidelines, all customers are required to wear a face covering.

“We know some passengers may not be able to and so we inform all customers of this ahead of travel and of what to do if they require an exemption.

“As well as a medical certificate, customers can alternatively provide a relevant document from a government website or lanyard.”

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