Family holiday rescued after chickenpox flight ban

A family were ordered to leave their holiday plane at Birmingham Airport because their one-year-old son was recovering from chickenpox.

Parents Paddy and Carrie Doyle had boarded the Monarch jet with son Jack and daughter Ruby, five, after booking a break to Portugal.

But as they settled down for the flight, the family was told to leave the plane after cabin crew discovered Jack was recovering from chickenpox.

Their holiday was saved when customer services worker Zita Small offered to drive to their GP to get an official letter saying the youngster was fit to fly.

Now Paddy, Carrie and their children have thanked the airport employee for racing to the rescue.

Carrie said:

Airport employee of 20 years, Zita, went to see the family GP at The Forum Health Centre in Coventry, after the family doctor agreed to wait behind after surgery had closed. Then she arranged for the family to fly out the following morning at no extra cost.

Carrie said:

Carrie with son Jack in Portugal Credit: Carrie Doyle

Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham Airport, said:

Click here for advice on when to fly if your child has had chickenpox.