Turkish air stewards told to shed weight

London, Aug 08 (ANI): Around 28 flight attendants of Turkish Airlines have been grounded for being overweight and have been given a six month period to slim down or face reassignment, according to reports.

The employees, out of which 13 are women, are on unpaid leave in Turkey until they lose weight, according to the Haber Turk daily newspaper.

All the stewards had previously been asked to tone up, reports the Telegraph.

"Weight and height are important factors at all airlines. These criteria are important both in terms of appearance and the ability to move about," Turkish Airlines reportedly said in a statement to its crew.

Izzet Levi, head of a cabin attendants' association, said that the grounded attendants must lose 22 pounds if they want to rejoin their post. (ANI)