In what advocates are calling a disturbing violation of religious freedom, a Winnipeg woman has come forward with allegations that she was forced to remove her hijab during a recent Flair Airlines flight, sparking widespread criticism and calls for accountability in Canada’s airline industry.
Amina Hassan, a 32-year-old healthcare worker, described the incident as deeply humiliating. “I felt so helpless,” Hassan told CO24 News in an exclusive interview. “I’ve never experienced such blatant disregard for my religious practices in public before.”
According to Hassan, the incident occurred last Tuesday on Flair Airlines flight F8-201 from Winnipeg to Toronto. She alleges that approximately 45 minutes into the flight, a flight attendant approached her and insisted she remove her hijab for “security verification purposes,” despite having already cleared security screening at the airport.
“When I explained the religious significance of my hijab, the attendant became increasingly insistent,” Hassan recounted. “Eventually, I felt I had no choice but to comply, with other passengers watching. It was completely degrading.”
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association has expressed serious concerns about the incident, with spokesperson Michael Chouinard stating: “This appears to be a clear violation of Ms. Hassan’s Charter rights. Religious garments are protected expressions of faith, and no one should be forced to remove them without compelling legal justification.”
Flair Airlines issued a preliminary statement indicating they are “investigating the matter thoroughly” and that the company “respects the religious beliefs and practices of all passengers.” However, the airline has yet to provide specific details about their policies regarding religious attire or what might have prompted the alleged incident.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims has reported a 71% increase in Islamophobic incidents on public transportation across Canada in the past year, according to their most recent tracking data.
“This is unfortunately part of a concerning trend,” said Mustafa Farooq, CEO of NCCM. “Transportation providers must invest in cultural sensitivity training and clear protocols that respect religious freedoms.”
The Canadian Transportation Agency confirmed to CO24 Business that they have received a formal complaint and will be reviewing whether Flair Airlines violated passenger rights regulations. Under Canadian law, airlines are required to accommodate religious practices unless there is a demonstrable safety risk that cannot be mitigated through other means.
Hassan’s lawyer, Samira Ahmed, indicated they are considering legal action. “My client deserves more than just an apology. We need systematic changes to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else,” Ahmed stated.
The incident has triggered robust debate among Canadian political figures about religious accommodation in public spaces. Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra called the allegations “deeply troubling” and promised his department would “follow up appropriately once all facts are established.”
As the investigation unfolds, this case raises critical questions about the balance between security protocols and religious freedoms in Canada’s transportation sector. How can our diverse society better ensure that security practices don’t come at the expense of dignity and religious rights?
