Two women thrown off flight for complaining about ‘terrorist’ Muslim passengers

Two women were thrown off a Thomas Cook flight from Turkey to Gatwick after they allegedly said three Muslim men in white prayer shawls were “terrorists” and a “threat” to the safety of the plane, other passengers have claimed.

Videos of the incident, which took place after 1am on Friday, show one of the women, who are believed to be British, removing her bag from the overhead luggage rack before being escorted off the plane by police.

The incident meant the flight from Dalman to Gatwick was delayed by over an hour.

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Mario Van Poppel, a Belgian father-of-three who was on the flight, said the woman was a “crazy racist”.

“A passenger on our Thomas Cook flight refuses to stay on the plane because three bearded men in white prayer robes are on board,” he tweeted.

Shape Created with Sketch. 50 Best Family Days Out Show all 21 left Created with Sketch. right Created with Sketch. Shape Created with Sketch. 50 Best Family Days Out 1/21 Chatsworth One of the most beautiful houses in the country, Chatsworth is a brilliant place for families to spend the day. While the house itself is definitely worth a good look, it’s the outdoor areas which are best for kids. The giant rockery is a total hit, as is the yew maze. You must visit the farmyard – aside from the milking demonstrations, Seamus the donkey and Custard the Guinea pig are both most welcoming. chatsworth.org Getty Images 2/21 Hadrian’s Wall Originally built as a border to protect the Roman Empire’s north frontier, Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast with much to see and do at various points along the way including Roman forts such as Housestead’s which gives visitors a visceral peek into history. We particularly recommend visiting the bathhouse at Chester’s Roman Fort – this was essentially a spa for exhausted soldiers. Children will gleefully relish considering the lavatory systems of the Romans, which were very sophisticated. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall Getty Images/iStockphoto 3/21 Chatsworth One of the most beautiful houses in the country, Chatsworth is a brilliant place for families to spend the day. While the house itself is definitely worth a good look, it’s the outdoor areas which are best for kids. The giant rockery is a total hit, as is the yew maze. You must visit the farmyard – aside from the milking demonstrations, Seamus the donkey and Custard the Guinea pig are both most welcoming. chatsworth.org 4/21 Yorkshire Sculpture Park This open-air gallery dedicated to sculpture is a truly special place. Pieces by the likes of Henry Moore and Anthony Gormley are found all over YSP. Inside there are galleries with changing exhibitions. You can also get some lovely cake in the café! This is a rare gem of something grownup, highbrow and cultured that small children will absolutely love. Best of all, it’s free, save for parking. ysp.org.uk 5/21 Anne Hathaway’s Cottage This quaint little thatched cottage was home to Shakespeare’s wife. Adults with a passion for the bard and history are in for a treat, meanwhile little ones can roam the beautifully-kept gardens. Prepare to be charmed by The Love Settle, an outdoor lounger by artist-in-residence Lee Lapthorn which is found in the garden and is made of wood and fabric covered in tattoos similar to those found on sailors in Shakespeare’s era. It’s a beautiful, unique piece that will capture the curiosity of young and old minds. shakespeare.org.uk Getty Images/iStockphoto 6/21 Monkey Forest, Trentham As the name suggests, this pocket of woodland is home to some 140 free-ranging monkeys. Visitors can walk the pathway through the forest observing Barbary macaques live as they would in the wild. As well as the cheeky monkeys, there are plenty of guides dotted throughout the forest, all of whom have a wealth of knowledge that they’re happy to share. monkey-forest.com Getty Images/iStockphoto 7/21 Cadbury World, Birmingham A real-life chocolate factory? Who could resist? You’ll know you’re near to Cadbury World before you’ve even seen the place – the atmosphere is heady with the smell of molten chocolate. Inside, you’ll be transported back some 1,000 years to Mexico where Mayan Indians treated cocoa beans with great reverence – not only enjoying them as a drink but also as currency. You can learn traditional chocolate making techniques as a family – and of course treat yourself liberally! cadburyworld.co.uk 8/21 The Forbidden Corner An extraordinary concept, no doubt, the Forbidden Corner has something of the surreal about it. It started as a folly – part of private property in the Yorkshire Dales. It is a now a sprawling four-acre wonderland garden of curiosities – underground worlds, tunnels and gateways. It’s odd, quirky and fun – perfect for anyone with an enquiring mind and a thirst for adventure. There’s a lovely picnic area, too. theforbiddencorner.co.uk 9/21 Pennywell Farm If you’ve ever wanted to watch pigs racing or practice yoga with goats head directly to Pennywell Farm in Devon where both quirky pastimes are not only possible but encouraged! The pigs leap at speed over miniature fences to secure victory in their races, while in the yoga classes goats roam free. And that’s not all. Youngsters can collect eggs, feed pets and even plant seeds in their very own pot to take home and watch grow. pennywellfarm.co.uk 10/21 The Heights of Abraham With its caves, cliffs, towers and summits – the Heights of Abraham has been attracting visitors since the 1780s, when it opened as a Georgian ‘savage garden’. These days, it has retained its natural beauty but now includes cable cars which carry people up to the summit of Masson Hill to take in vistas across the Peak District. However, anyone energetic and game enough can follow the original winding paths to the top. heightsofabraham.com 11/21 St Michael’s Mount It’s hard to conceive of a more romantic or magical place than this island off the south Cornwall coast, which is accessed either by walkway or by boat depending on where the tide’s at! The island is dominated by a castle which perches dramatically on rocks. There are gardens to explore – there’s a microclimate here so you’ll see plants not typical of the UK, like cacti and historical curiosities – such as ‘murder holes’ which were once used to shoot intruders. stmichaelsmount.co.uk Getty Images/iStockphoto 12/21 The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park The site of the 2012 Olympics, this park is a lovely open space where families can make a day of it, for free. For those with smaller children, we’d recommend spending the majority of your time at Tumbling Bay, a playground teeming with action that complements the natural landscape of the park. From digging in the sandpit to scaling up to the treehouses there’s a lot going on here. On hot days the fountain, with just short of 200 jets of water, will be your new best friend. queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk Getty Images 13/21 Dreamland This fairground on the seafront in Margate features vintage rides and really conjures up the spirit of summer from yesteryear. Whether you’re a fan of the waltzers or a sucker for a big wheel, there is much to keep everyone entertained. Expect to let your kids gorge on candyfloss and fish and chips, but adults will be pleased to tuck into a cocktail or two. There’s even a family-friendly retro roller disco. If the weather is inclement, head directly to the Octopus’s Garden, an indoor play area for children under eight-years-old, featuring sandpits and climbing frames. dreamland.co.uk Getty Images 14/21 The Wave Surfing can only be done in the sea, right? Wrong. The Wave is lagoon which generates artificial waves and gives anyone – from children and complete beginners through to accomplished surfers – the opportunity to ride a few waves, whatever the weather. You won’t need to wait around for a wave – they’ll come at you thick and fast. Your experience can last an hour, a day or even longer depending on how you feel. A thrilling dose of the great outdoors, due to open in Autumn 2019. thewave.com 15/21 Kidzania This is essentially a parallel universe run by children aged between four and 14 years old; an indoor city which features 60 different ‘real life’ activities to explore and master including firefighting, meeting deadlines as a newspaper journalist and graduating from university. Parents can observe from afar, but not get involved. Instead they can go and put their feet up in an adults only sitting area and wait for their little ones to finish work! kidzania.co.uk 16/21 West Wittering Beach One of the premier ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in the UK, the beach at West Wittering is clean, pretty and a firm favourite for family fun. Little ones can paddle and build sandcastles while older children might want to try their hand at wind or kitesurfing. Settle down to a good old summer picnic at lunchtime – you can even barbeque as long as you do so safely and are vigilant about putting it out and clearing up afterwards. westwitteringestate.co.uk Getty Images/iStockphoto 17/21 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew The children’s garden, for youngsters aged two to 12 years old has just opened is dedicated to the elements. Children can crawl through a tunnel of bamboo, enjoy various water features and generally let off steam. In the main garden, the treetop walkway and the pagoda are must-sees for any family, the latter having just undergone a major restoration project which has seen it returned to the splendour it boasted in 1762, when it was first built. kew.org Getty Images 18/21 Tower of London A medieval castle-turned prison, the Tower of London has been the location for many a gory execution. It is also here that you can take a peek at the Crown Jewels, but for families we think that meeting the six ravens, known as the guardians of the Tower, as well as their ravenmaster is essential. The White Tower is full of things to leave children awestruck – including King Henry VIII’s armours and an executioner’s block and axe. hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Getty Images 19/21 Science Museum This museum is truly huge and its focus is far reaching, from planets and space to transport and machinery. The giant telescope is a hit with visitors across the board while the Wonderlab is an absolute must-see for children of all ages (we defy parents not to be pretty hooked too). The Chemistry Bar with bubbling vats and steaming test tubes is where older kids beeline, while little ones can join earth orbiting the sun. sciencemuseum.org.uk Getty Images 20/21 Lost Gardens of Heligan These 200 acres of beautiful gardens were, until fairly recently, entirely hidden under tall, thick weeds which entirely disguised the one glorious aesthetic of the estate. Today, the gardens are a wonder. Be sure to cross the 100 foot Burmese rope bridge in the jungle garden and definitely pop up to the farm – the pigs are adorable. Children will love hammering their own tender into the coin log and see the guests at the insect hotel. heligan.com Getty Images/iStockphoto 21/21 Hampstead Heath One of the most beautiful and exciting open spaces in the capital, Hampstead Heath, which covers some 800 acres, has much to recommend it to families. When the temperature rises the ponds are the perfect place to swim – but only for children over the age of eight. Pack a picnic, a bat and ball and a rug, find a shady spot and you’re all set for a lazy – and cheap – day. cityoflondon.gov.uk Getty Images 1/21 Chatsworth One of the most beautiful houses in the country, Chatsworth is a brilliant place for families to spend the day. While the house itself is definitely worth a good look, it’s the outdoor areas which are best for kids. The giant rockery is a total hit, as is the yew maze. You must visit the farmyard – aside from the milking demonstrations, Seamus the donkey and Custard the Guinea pig are both most welcoming. chatsworth.org Getty Images 2/21 Hadrian’s Wall Originally built as a border to protect the Roman Empire’s north frontier, Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles from coast to coast with much to see and do at various points along the way including Roman forts such as Housestead’s which gives visitors a visceral peek into history. We particularly recommend visiting the bathhouse at Chester’s Roman Fort – this was essentially a spa for exhausted soldiers. Children will gleefully relish considering the lavatory systems of the Romans, which were very sophisticated. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall Getty Images/iStockphoto 3/21 Chatsworth One of the most beautiful houses in the country, Chatsworth is a brilliant place for families to spend the day. While the house itself is definitely worth a good look, it’s the outdoor areas which are best for kids. The giant rockery is a total hit, as is the yew maze. You must visit the farmyard – aside from the milking demonstrations, Seamus the donkey and Custard the Guinea pig are both most welcoming. chatsworth.org 4/21 Yorkshire Sculpture Park This open-air gallery dedicated to sculpture is a truly special place. Pieces by the likes of Henry Moore and Anthony Gormley are found all over YSP. Inside there are galleries with changing exhibitions. You can also get some lovely cake in the café! This is a rare gem of something grownup, highbrow and cultured that small children will absolutely love. Best of all, it’s free, save for parking. ysp.org.uk 5/21 Anne Hathaway’s Cottage This quaint little thatched cottage was home to Shakespeare’s wife. Adults with a passion for the bard and history are in for a treat, meanwhile little ones can roam the beautifully-kept gardens. Prepare to be charmed by The Love Settle, an outdoor lounger by artist-in-residence Lee Lapthorn which is found in the garden and is made of wood and fabric covered in tattoos similar to those found on sailors in Shakespeare’s era. It’s a beautiful, unique piece that will capture the curiosity of young and old minds. shakespeare.org.uk Getty Images/iStockphoto 6/21 Monkey Forest, Trentham As the name suggests, this pocket of woodland is home to some 140 free-ranging monkeys. Visitors can walk the pathway through the forest observing Barbary macaques live as they would in the wild. As well as the cheeky monkeys, there are plenty of guides dotted throughout the forest, all of whom have a wealth of knowledge that they’re happy to share. monkey-forest.com Getty Images/iStockphoto 7/21 Cadbury World, Birmingham A real-life chocolate factory? Who could resist? You’ll know you’re near to Cadbury World before you’ve even seen the place – the atmosphere is heady with the smell of molten chocolate. Inside, you’ll be transported back some 1,000 years to Mexico where Mayan Indians treated cocoa beans with great reverence – not only enjoying them as a drink but also as currency. You can learn traditional chocolate making techniques as a family – and of course treat yourself liberally! cadburyworld.co.uk 8/21 The Forbidden Corner An extraordinary concept, no doubt, the Forbidden Corner has something of the surreal about it. It started as a folly – part of private property in the Yorkshire Dales. It is a now a sprawling four-acre wonderland garden of curiosities – underground worlds, tunnels and gateways. It’s odd, quirky and fun – perfect for anyone with an enquiring mind and a thirst for adventure. There’s a lovely picnic area, too. theforbiddencorner.co.uk 9/21 Pennywell Farm If you’ve ever wanted to watch pigs racing or practice yoga with goats head directly to Pennywell Farm in Devon where both quirky pastimes are not only possible but encouraged! The pigs leap at speed over miniature fences to secure victory in their races, while in the yoga classes goats roam free. And that’s not all. Youngsters can collect eggs, feed pets and even plant seeds in their very own pot to take home and watch grow. pennywellfarm.co.uk 10/21 The Heights of Abraham With its caves, cliffs, towers and summits – the Heights of Abraham has been attracting visitors since the 1780s, when it opened as a Georgian ‘savage garden’. These days, it has retained its natural beauty but now includes cable cars which carry people up to the summit of Masson Hill to take in vistas across the Peak District. However, anyone energetic and game enough can follow the original winding paths to the top. heightsofabraham.com 11/21 St Michael’s Mount It’s hard to conceive of a more romantic or magical place than this island off the south Cornwall coast, which is accessed either by walkway or by boat depending on where the tide’s at! The island is dominated by a castle which perches dramatically on rocks. There are gardens to explore – there’s a microclimate here so you’ll see plants not typical of the UK, like cacti and historical curiosities – such as ‘murder holes’ which were once used to shoot intruders. stmichaelsmount.co.uk Getty Images/iStockphoto 12/21 The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park The site of the 2012 Olympics, this park is a lovely open space where families can make a day of it, for free. For those with smaller children, we’d recommend spending the majority of your time at Tumbling Bay, a playground teeming with action that complements the natural landscape of the park. From digging in the sandpit to scaling up to the treehouses there’s a lot going on here. On hot days the fountain, with just short of 200 jets of water, will be your new best friend. queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk Getty Images 13/21 Dreamland This fairground on the seafront in Margate features vintage rides and really conjures up the spirit of summer from yesteryear. Whether you’re a fan of the waltzers or a sucker for a big wheel, there is much to keep everyone entertained. Expect to let your kids gorge on candyfloss and fish and chips, but adults will be pleased to tuck into a cocktail or two. There’s even a family-friendly retro roller disco. If the weather is inclement, head directly to the Octopus’s Garden, an indoor play area for children under eight-years-old, featuring sandpits and climbing frames. dreamland.co.uk Getty Images 14/21 The Wave Surfing can only be done in the sea, right? Wrong. The Wave is lagoon which generates artificial waves and gives anyone – from children and complete beginners through to accomplished surfers – the opportunity to ride a few waves, whatever the weather. You won’t need to wait around for a wave – they’ll come at you thick and fast. Your experience can last an hour, a day or even longer depending on how you feel. A thrilling dose of the great outdoors, due to open in Autumn 2019. thewave.com 15/21 Kidzania This is essentially a parallel universe run by children aged between four and 14 years old; an indoor city which features 60 different ‘real life’ activities to explore and master including firefighting, meeting deadlines as a newspaper journalist and graduating from university. Parents can observe from afar, but not get involved. Instead they can go and put their feet up in an adults only sitting area and wait for their little ones to finish work! kidzania.co.uk 16/21 West Wittering Beach One of the premier ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in the UK, the beach at West Wittering is clean, pretty and a firm favourite for family fun. Little ones can paddle and build sandcastles while older children might want to try their hand at wind or kitesurfing. Settle down to a good old summer picnic at lunchtime – you can even barbeque as long as you do so safely and are vigilant about putting it out and clearing up afterwards. westwitteringestate.co.uk Getty Images/iStockphoto 17/21 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew The children’s garden, for youngsters aged two to 12 years old has just opened is dedicated to the elements. Children can crawl through a tunnel of bamboo, enjoy various water features and generally let off steam. In the main garden, the treetop walkway and the pagoda are must-sees for any family, the latter having just undergone a major restoration project which has seen it returned to the splendour it boasted in 1762, when it was first built. kew.org Getty Images 18/21 Tower of London A medieval castle-turned prison, the Tower of London has been the location for many a gory execution. It is also here that you can take a peek at the Crown Jewels, but for families we think that meeting the six ravens, known as the guardians of the Tower, as well as their ravenmaster is essential. The White Tower is full of things to leave children awestruck – including King Henry VIII’s armours and an executioner’s block and axe. hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london Getty Images 19/21 Science Museum This museum is truly huge and its focus is far reaching, from planets and space to transport and machinery. The giant telescope is a hit with visitors across the board while the Wonderlab is an absolute must-see for children of all ages (we defy parents not to be pretty hooked too). The Chemistry Bar with bubbling vats and steaming test tubes is where older kids beeline, while little ones can join earth orbiting the sun. sciencemuseum.org.uk Getty Images 20/21 Lost Gardens of Heligan These 200 acres of beautiful gardens were, until fairly recently, entirely hidden under tall, thick weeds which entirely disguised the one glorious aesthetic of the estate. Today, the gardens are a wonder. Be sure to cross the 100 foot Burmese rope bridge in the jungle garden and definitely pop up to the farm – the pigs are adorable. Children will love hammering their own tender into the coin log and see the guests at the insect hotel. heligan.com Getty Images/iStockphoto 21/21 Hampstead Heath One of the most beautiful and exciting open spaces in the capital, Hampstead Heath, which covers some 800 acres, has much to recommend it to families. When the temperature rises the ponds are the perfect place to swim – but only for children over the age of eight. Pack a picnic, a bat and ball and a rug, find a shady spot and you’re all set for a lazy – and cheap – day. cityoflondon.gov.uk Getty Images

Shanea Kerry, who was also on the plane, said the women had tried to have the men taken off the flight.

She said: “They went to the front of the plane, spoke to the flight attendants & attempted to get the 3 men removed by stating that they are ‘disgusting’ & ‘a threat’.”

She said when one of the women “came back to get her bags, abuse was just flying around the plane – quite a few people called her out for the racism … she continued to tell us we are stupid for staying on the plane with the three men.”

Ms Kerry also said the woman called her a “fat bitch” when she confronted them for their “disgusting behaviour”.

In a statement, Thomas Cook told The Mirror: “Two passengers on flight MT105 from Dalaman to London Gatwick were removed from the aircraft by police following offensive behaviour on board.

“The safety of our customers and crew is always our first priority and we do not accept this kind of behaviour on our aircraft. We are sorry to our customers for the delay this caused to their flight.”