Airline forced to remove six seats for world’s tallest woman

The world’s tallest woman boarded her first ever flight after Turkish Airlines removed six seats to make way for the 7ft woman. Rumeysa Gelgi, who has held the Guiness World Record since 2014 for her 7ft height, boarded the 13 hour flight from Istanbul to San Francisco. The 25-year-old normally needs her wheelchair at all times due to her rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome that causes rapid growth.The Turkish world record holder was able to board the flight thanks to the airline removing six plane seats to accomodate Rumeysa.Ms Gelgi announced her the news of her first airline trip on social media to her 19,500 followers.She said: “A flawless journey from start to finish… this was my first plane ride but it certainly won’t be my last… a heartfelt thank you to each and every person who has been a part of my journey.”Rumeysa has flown to the US and will remain there for at least six months to further develop her technology software career and collaborate with Guinness World Records. The airline removed six seats to accommodate a stretcher (Image: @rumeysagelgi/Instagram) She measures 7ft tall (Image: Getty)She said she has “never been so excited for the future before”.Ms Gelgi, who was recognised as the world’s tallest woman in 2021, having previously held the record for the world’s tallest teenager since 2014, has also broken Guinness World Record titles for having the largest hands on a living female person and also the longest back on a living female person.Weaver syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes bone overgrowth.People with Weaver syndrome are usually very tall and may have distinct facial features, such as wide set eyes.READ MORE: Mum’s grief as Guinea pig killed by Bonfire Night fireworks Ms Gelgi needs a wheelchair round the clock (Image: Getty)They may also have intellectual or physical disabilities.Although there is no cure, people with this condition can live healthy lives, with those affected having a normal lifespan.