EasyJet passenger with breathing problems "ambushed" by staff and fellow passengers

A man with severe breathing problems was "ambushed" on EasyJet flight, footage shows.

The film depicts a pilot threatening a passenger, known as Nick, to put a mask on, despite him having an official exemption card which the crew rejected.

Although Nick's card was accepted on his flight to Jersey back in August, the crew on his returning flight to Gatwick said that is was not valid.

Nick was "insulted, shouted at, laughed at" by fellow passengers when he refused to wear a face covering.

The incident escalated when the EasyJet pilot said that if Nick did not put a mask on, he would be "off" the flight.

Nick reluctantly agreed in the end but said that the mask caused him to hyperventilate during the flight.

He said: "I would do anything to avoid wearing anything that restricts my breathing. That's more terrifying than being insulted by 100 passengers, but eventually I felt like I had no choice."

EasyJet has issued an apology to Nick, recognising updated policies in line with government guidance allow customers to provide medical documentation that shows their exemption from wearing masks.

The airline said: "We are sorry that this new policy was not recognised by the crew on this occasion."

Despite masks being compulsory on public transport in the UK, some people are exempt from this rule, for reasons like age, disability and health issues.

Other reports from members of the public exempt from these mask rules include stories of people with lung conditions being refused service in shops and turned away from public transport.

The Department for Transport for England highlights that such members of the public can carry a badge, a homemade sign or card to signify their exemption. But providing documentation of this kind is a choice and not legally necessary.

Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation commented on Nick's experience with EasyJet as "a distressing case" but not a new one.

Sarah MacFadyen, the policy manager, said: "The vast majority of people with lung conditions are fine wearing a mask, but for a small number it is impossible for them to breathe. That's why these exemptions are in place, so they can still go out and live their lives."