Budget carrier AirAsia has clarified that a pregnant passenger was barred from traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu on June 21 because she did not have a doctor’s letter saying she is fit to fly.

The passenger, who was 28 weeks pregnant, was, however allowed to board a flight the next day without extra charges after she obtained a doctor’s letter.

AirAsia also provided her with complimentary accommodation, AirAsia said in a statement.

“AirAsia would like to extend our sympathies towards our guest who lost her loved one,” it said.

In a video which has since gone viral online, a male passenger claims that his wife was barred from flying on the AirAsia flight, despite just getting off a Malaysia Airlines flight from Seoul to Kuala Lumpur.

They were en route Kuala Terengganu to attend her father’s funeral, and opted for the AirAsia flight as the other option departed from the Subang Airport and was less convenient.

‘Captain chased out preggy mom’

“Her father just passed away, so we tried out best to catch the last flight of AirAsia,” said the man, who is not identified.

“If they claimed they are strict in procedure, why did they not stop us from the beginning (while check in)...only at the final gate, we were not allowed.”

“This is an emergency situation. Friday evening, 5pm, how can I go to the hospital to get everything? They insisted for the letter, of course we don’t have it.”

Beside him was his wife, who was sitting in a wheelchair.

The man also held a sketchbook with the words ‘AK6220's captain chased out preggy mom’.

According to AirAsia, the airline’s terms and conditions states that pregnant passengers are required to inform the airline and sign a liability statement for pregnancies up to 27 weeks.

Those who are pregnant between 28 to 34 weeks must submit a doctor’s letter certifying that they are fit to fly, dated no more than 30 days of the flight.

Those who are more than 34 weeks pregnant are not allowed to board.