NEW YORK- JetBlue Airways (B6), Turkish Airlines (TK), Miami International Airport (MIA), Istanbul Airport (IST), and Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) are at the center of a lawsuit involving a quadriplegic passenger who claims a flight disruption caused serious medical injuries during travel.
The case involves allegations that a canceled JetBlue Airways flight from Miami International Airport led to an unexpected rerouting through Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Airport before arrival at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport.
The complaint raises concerns regarding disability assistance, airport support, and airline responsibility during disrupted travel.
JetBlue Quadriplegic Passenger Lawsuit
Zoran Stankovic from Serbia was traveling from Miami to Belgrade in May 2025 on an itinerary that originally included a domestic JetBlue Airways (B6) flight before connecting to a long-haul international service to Europe.
As a quadriplegic traveler, Zoran was already familiar with the challenges associated with long air journeys and mobility limitations.
According to the lawsuit, unexpected disruptions during the trip allegedly created significantly more difficult circumstances.
On May 15, 2025, Zoran arrived at Miami International Airport (MIA) and discovered that his scheduled JetBlue flight departing at 2:00 PM had been canceled.
Because of the cancellation, he could no longer make his originally scheduled international connection.
According to the complaint, JetBlue rerouted him onto Turkish Airlines (TK), sending him first from Miami to Istanbul Airport (IST) and then onward to Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG).
The replacement Turkish Airlines flight, however, was reportedly not scheduled to depart for another ten hours.
The lawsuit alleges that during this extended period, Zoran remained at the airport without “appropriate medical accommodation” that could relieve pressure caused by prolonged sitting.
According to PYOK, the complaint alleges that the flight disruption created conditions that significantly increased the risk of medical complications for a passenger with mobility limitations.
Allegations During Extended Journey
The lawsuit states that Zoran was eventually transferred into a standard aircraft seat before boarding the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul.
During the approximately 13-hour international flight, the complaint alleges that he was denied assistance to access restroom facilities.
After arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST), the travel difficulties allegedly continued during the layover period.
According to the lawsuit, he was required to remain seated in a standard airport wheelchair that lacked appropriate cushioning support while waiting for his final flight.
The complaint further alleges that by this point, it had become clear to those around him that he was experiencing urinary incontinence and significant physical distress.
Despite those reported conditions, the lawsuit claims that assistance allowing him to use restroom facilities at Istanbul Airport was not provided.
Medical Examination After Arrival
After arriving at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), Zoran reportedly received medical assistance.
Medical evaluation allegedly identified a severe Stage III pressure ulcer involving significant skin breakdown and tissue damage.
Pressure ulcers can develop when prolonged pressure reduces blood flow to the skin and tissue. Individuals with limited mobility may face a greater risk of developing these injuries during extended periods without movement or pressure relief.
The lawsuit claims that the injuries developed after Zoran was forced to remain seated for significantly longer than his original travel schedule required.
Legal Claims Against Airlines and Other Parties
Following the incident, Zoran submitted complaints to both JetBlue Airways (B6) and Turkish Airlines (TK).
According to the complaint, JetBlue refunded the cost of his ticket but reportedly informed him that responsibility for the alleged injuries rested with Turkish Airlines and airport ground personnel assigned to assist him during travel.
Zoran is now pursuing negligence claims against JetBlue Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Miami-Dade County in a lawsuit filed in Florida.
Miami-Dade County was also named in the complaint because of its alleged connection to airport operations and passenger assistance services.
The legal filing additionally includes a claim under Article 17 of the Montreal Convention, which can hold airlines responsible for injuries sustained during the course of international air transportation.
At the time of the filing, JetBlue Airways (B6) and Turkish Airlines (TK) had not responded to the lawsuit allegations.
Broader Discussion
The case highlights ongoing concerns about accessibility support during airline disruptions and extended delays.
Passengers with medical conditions and mobility limitations may require specialized assistance during irregular operations, including suitable seating support, restroom access, and medical accommodations throughout the travel process.
Airlines, airports, and contracted ground personnel often share responsibility for maintaining continuity of care when unexpected operational changes affect travel plans.
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