TAXI drivers at a Scottish airport have been warned about the potentially “racist” refusal of passengers.

All drivers working from Aberdeen Airport were scolded according to the Press & Journal over the suspected refusal of passengers from Africa due to “smelly food”.

The newspaper reported that enforcement officer David Mckane sent an email threatening police and licensing action if anyone was found to have refused fares due to this reason – with supposedly smelly fish being blamed.

READ MORE: Aberdeen Airport named ‘Scotland’s worst’ for fifth year running

But Mckane said he suspected it was “racially motivated” in an email seen by the P&J.

He wrote: “It has been brought to our attention that a small minority of drivers working from the airport are refusing fares due to there being ‘fish’ or ‘other foodstuffs’ in the luggage of certain passengers.

“There is no licensing condition that permits you to refuse a fare for such a reason.

“It is suspected that these refusals may be racially motivated.

“Any driver found to have refused a fare using this excuse or any similar excuse will be taken before the licensing committee and reported to Police Scotland.”

A spokesman for the airport said staff had been “made aware of an incident”.

“[It] is the subject of an investigation, and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”