Emirates apologises after passengers with nut allergies 'were advised to spend 7.5 hour flight in the toilet'

Emirates has apologised after two siblings with severe nut allergies claimed they were advised to spend a seven and a half hour flight in the toilet.

Shannen Sahota, 24, and Sundeep, 33, say they advised the airline of their allergies before booking the trip to Dubai and Singapore for their parents' birthday.

Forty minutes into the flight from Birmingham Airport the pair say they learned that chicken and cashew nuts would be served despite them having told staff they were allergic, the Sun reported.

When the panicked duo informed staff that they could not be exposed to the nuts in the meal, a staff member allegedly told them they might be more comfortable in the plane toilet.

However, the airline denies having any record of the allergies.

The pair - who carry epi-pens in case of an emergency - say they were forced to sit underneath blankets at the back of the plane to avoid breathing in nut residue which can be carried through air vents.

Ms Sahota told the Sun: “It was uncomfortable, embarrassing and demeaning. We were stunned when a supervisor told us ‘one way round it’ was for us to spend the flight in the cabin loo.

“All information we gave them was ignored.”

A spokesman for Emirates said: "We are sorry to hear about Ms Sahota’s complaint. Emirates tries to cater to all passenger specific needs by offering a number of special meals that cover as many medical, dietary and religious requirements as possible. However, Emirates cannot guarantee completely nut-free flights.

“We’ve looked into Ms Sahota’s booking and our records do not reflect any mention of a nut allergy. All passengers who alert us of a nut allergy prior to travel are informed of our policy and it is also outlined on our website here. When alerted during the flight, our crew tried their best to offer Ms Sahota and her brother alternative locations in an open space in back of the aircraft cabin to minimise their proximity to other passengers who may be consuming meals with nuts.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and our customer care team will be in touch with Miss Sahota directly.”