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Turkish Airlines Bars Journalist From Flights for Six Months

The carrier cites a rule allowing it to refuse passengers for statements considered damaging to its brand.

Overview

  • Turkish aviation journalist Ali Kıdık shared an email stating he was placed on Turkish Airlines’ Safe Flight Passenger Tracking System and cannot fly with the carrier until July 12, 2026.
  • The notice said his inclusion was due to behavior not in line with the airline’s brand image and referenced a system for excluding those who share content harmful to the brand.
  • Policy language quoted in the email says passengers may be refused if they make statements that potentially diminish the airline’s brand value.
  • Turkish Airlines did not specify which act triggered the ban, though the timing follows Kıdık’s January 7 post about restrictions on flag and Atatürk pins for flight attendants.
  • Commentary referenced in coverage says the pin restriction dates to a 2011 uniform rule and that a recent memo reiterated it, casting doubt on claims of a new ban.