Left Behind on the Tarmac: A Wheelchair User’s Disappointment with Airline Industry

Recently, a Washington Post report highlighted a concerning incident that took place at Belfast International Airport. Three individuals, including author Liz Weir who uses a wheelchair, were left behind on the tarmac as their plane took off without them.

Weir had arrived early for her flight to Edinburgh with easyJet and was accompanied by another passenger in a wheelchair who was traveling with their spouse. Despite efforts to alert the pilots and get their attention, the jet stairs were removed before the plane departed.

In an interview with BBC News, Weir expressed her frustration and disappointment over the situation. She emphasized the importance of airlines being more considerate of passengers with mobility issues and taking better care of them during flights. Although she missed her initial flight, Weir was able to catch a later one and eventually arrived in Edinburgh late in the evening.

The airline, easyJet, acknowledged the incident and attributed it to an error made by their ground handling team and crew. They apologized for any inconvenience caused and promised to provide compensation to those affected. Belfast International Airport declined further comment on the matter and deferred to easyJet for additional information.

This incident serves as a reminder that passengers with mobility issues should be treated with care and consideration when traveling by air. It also highlights the need for airlines to take responsibility for any mistakes made during flights and ensure that their passengers are safe and accommodated properly.