Breaking barriers and defying limitations, Rumeysa Gelgi, the world’s tallest woman, has achieved a remarkable milestone by embarking on her first-ever airplane journey, thanks to the thoughtful gesture of Turkish Airlines. Standing at an awe-inspiring height of 7 feet 0.7 inches, Gelgi’s journey from Istanbul to San Francisco marked a momentous achievement for someone whose towering stature has often posed unique challenges.
At the age of 25, Gelgi has made her mark in history not only as the world’s tallest woman but also as a record-holder in multiple categories, including the largest hands, longest finger, and longest back of a female. Her remarkable height is attributed to Weaver Syndrome, a rare condition characterized by accelerated growth, large birth size, and various physical abnormalities.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Gelgi’s extraordinary height had, until recently, hindered her ability to partake in the seemingly ordinary experience of air travel. The confined leg and seat space in standard airplane cabins had posed insurmountable obstacles for her.
However, the tables turned when Turkish Airlines extended a heartfelt invitation to Gelgi, enabling her to fulfill her dream of soaring above the clouds. The airline’s efforts went beyond a mere gesture, as they removed six seats from the aircraft to accommodate Gelgi comfortably, solidifying their commitment to making her flight a memorable and enjoyable one.
Gelgi shared her once-in-a-lifetime experience on her Instagram account, expressing gratitude to the numerous individuals who contributed to her smooth and joyous journey. Her translated caption began with, “A flawless journey from start to finish with Turkish Airlines.” Gelgi’s appreciation extended to the Air Clinic officials and officers, Istanbul Airport staff, and the entire Turkish Airlines team, including the cabin crew who made her “first flight” celebration above the clouds an unforgettable experience.
Gelgi specifically recognized Mr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Turkish Airlines, and Mr. Ramazan Yaşa, the Manager of Customer Relations, for their personal involvement in orchestrating her remarkable journey. Her post resonated with gratitude, marking a moment of triumph not just for Gelgi, but for all those who strive to overcome obstacles and reach new heights.
The airline reciprocated Gelgi’s sentiments, expressing their joy at her successful flight and emphasizing their commitment to accommodating her needs. Turkish Airlines responded to her post, stating, “Hello Ms. Rümeysa, we are very happy that your flight went smoothly and your valuable feedback. We always want to do what we can for you and our work continues in this direction. Whenever you need us, we are here for you at Turkish Airlines.”
Gelgi’s journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, determination, and the power of inclusivity. As the world’s tallest woman continues to share her adventures, her growing familiarity with air travel underscores the importance of accessibility and the impact of compassion in making dreams come true. Through her extraordinary journey, Gelgi’s story serves as a testament to the human spirit’s ability to transcend barriers and redefine what is possible.v
