Muslim booted off plane at Newcastle airport

A young Muslim was booted off a plane at a North airport after asking cabin crew if he could pray before his flight, we can reveal. The incident happened when the country was on high alert last weekend after an alleged terrorist attack at Glasgow airport.

A source told us that the man – who has not been named – boarded a Thomsonfly flight at Newcastle International Airport bound for a holiday in Malaga, Spain, with friends. He asked staff if he could go in the galley area – which can be curtained off from passengers – and offer prayers before the flight took off. However – according to our source – the flight attendant asked the plane’s captain who promptly ordered the man off the aircraft.

Northumbria Police officers were waiting for the man in the departure lounge and searched him under terrorism laws. All they found was a bottle of water, used by Muslims to wash themselves before prayer, a compass to ensure he was facing the holy city of Mecca, and a traditional prayer-mat.

Evening Chronicle, 8 July 2007