'Unfit to fly' passengers face a ban

LOCAL passengers suffering from flu-like symptoms could be turned away at the airport.

Airlines are reserving the right to stop passengers from boarding flights if they suspect they are infected with swine flu.

International carriers British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have said they will ask poorly passengers to produce a doctor's certificate before being allowed to board – apparently normal procedures for anyone who is ill.

And Paul Sabin, managing director of Blue Islands, said it was standard company policy that if passengers were deemed unfit to travel they would be prevented from boarding.

He said that applied to a number of conditions, including drunkenness and rowdiness.

'It also applies to any severe illness. It is not for the airline to determine whether or not someone has swine flu or a cold,' said Mr Sabin.

He said it would continue to take advice from the relevant health authorities and respond accordingly. 'Our advice to passengers remains the same: if you feel unwell, you should not be travelling.'

Flybe head of PR Niall Duffy said it, too, was closely following the advice and guidance issued by the relevant health and transport ministries.

'Public transport across the board, including trains and buses, have a responsibility to listen to that advice and act accordingly, without fuss and in a professional manner,' he said.

Aurigny was unavailable for comment.