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Airline refused to let Isabelle Kumar’s son Eli fly despite him having a medical certificate

Emirates staff have forced a disabled teenager and his family to disembark from a plane because he has epilepsy, despite the fact he held a medical certificate and clearance to fly.

Eli, the 17-year-old son of the Euronews journalist Isabelle Kumar, had boarded a flight on Wednesday from Dubai to France, the final leg of a long-haul journey from New Zealand via Australia.

Thanks @emirates for removing our family from your flight. Our son has epilepsy: we had told you, just come 14 hr from Melbourne, got his doctor on the phone & medical clearance while still on board. He has #autism & severe learning difficulties - v traumatic. pic.twitter.com/1JXw9A4EYM

Once kicked off - your staff immediately agreed that he is fine to fly - as he has been with every flight with you @emirates. Now there is no flight home. Kids totally distraught and humiliated. Where is your humanity?

Epilepsy Action is very concerned to hear that Eli Kumar, who has #epilepsy and #autism, was removed from an Emirates flight, despite having medical clearance to fly.

After such a distressing situation for Eli, we hope the whole family gets home safely soon. https://t.co/Y5h7e6ARKp