Muslim Woman Forced to Remove Hijab at Toronto Pearson Airport

A Muslim woman has reported that a staff member at Flair Airlines forced her to remove her hijab to match her appearance to her passport photo at Toronto Pearson Airport.

Ms. Tanuka Javed, a Bangladeshi Canadian residing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, says the incident occurred when she and her husband were returning from a trip to Bangladesh. While boarding at Gate B3, a Flair Airlines staff member asked her to remove her hijab so that her appearance could be compared to the photo on her passport. Javed explained that she took the passport photo before she began wearing a hijab.

She described the incident as “not only ignorant but a clear act of discrimination.” “This is the first time we’ve experienced such blatant hatred in this country,” she said. “The staff member asked me to remove my hijab in front of others. If there were any doubts, the situation could have been handled privately by a female officer. Transport Canada regulations do not require the removal of a hijab if the face is clearly visible.”

The family is demanding a public apology from the airline, immediate disciplinary action against the staff member involved, and mandatory training in religious tolerance and human rights for Flair Airlines staff. They have also filed an official complaint with Transport Canada.

“This is not just about our family; it is about protecting the rights of all Canadians in a multicultural society,” said Javed’s husband. The incident has sparked outrage among Canadians, particularly within the Muslim community.

One social media user commented, “If such incidents can happen in Canada—a country known for its inclusivity—it raises serious questions about accountability and training within our institutions.” A post from the National Council of Canadian Muslims stated, “It is concerning that an incident took place within an airport and flight service, where so many Canadians depend on the professionalism of the staff for basic safety.”