A UK groom says a faint smudge on his passport stamp led Etihad Airways to block him from flying to his honeymoon in Thailand.
A groom says he was barred from boarding an Etihad Airways flight for his honeymoon because of a faint “stamp smudge” on his passport, according to a report from DAILY MAIL. Newlyweds Josh and Eden Reekie were due to travel from Manchester Airport to Phuket, Thailand, on October 7 for a two-week TUI package holiday costing £2,400.
The 31-year-old industrial electrician said Etihad staff immediately flagged both passports at check-in. While his wife’s document was accepted, staff told him his passport was “water damaged” due to a blurred 2019 Thailand stamp. Mr Reekie said he had used the same passport 12 times in the past year without any issue and described an “anxious” 30-minute wait before staff informed him: “I’m really sorry but you can’t fly.”
The couple left the airport and applied urgently for a new passport, but TUI cancelled their return flight and accommodation after they failed to board the outbound leg. Forced to salvage their honeymoon, they paid for a last-minute trip to Cyprus and are now demanding refunds from both Etihad and TUI.
Mr Reekie said the experience was “soul-destroying” and criticised the lack of empathy shown. An Etihad spokesperson said the airline consulted Thailand’s immigration authorities, who advised against boarding due to visible water damage. TUI has been approached for comment.