A disabled man has expressed his dismay after an Aer Lingus plane departed from a UK airport without him. Andy Allen, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, was unable to board his flight from Birmingham to Belfast over the weekend. He stated that the assistance he required to board the plane in his wheelchair was not provided, leading to the aircraft leaving without him onboard.
The incident garnered solidarity from various individuals at the Stormont Assembly, with First Minister Michelle O’Neill remarking on the lack of accessible services causing Mr. Allen to be “stranded at an airport in England”. Robbie Butler, another UUP MLA, condemned the situation, highlighting the continued denial of basic rights and access for disabled individuals in 2024.
Taking to social media platform X, Mr. Allen described the ordeal as a “shambles”. He is a former soldier who has been using a wheelchair since sustaining severe injuries during his military service in Afghanistan. Reflecting on the incident, Mr. Allen emphasised the need for improvement in travel services for disabled customers to ensure equal participation in society.
Aer Lingus responded by acknowledging the situation and issuing a heartfelt apology to Mr. Allen. The airline clarified that the flight was operated by Emerald Airlines, which has initiated a full investigation into the matter. They reiterated their commitment to supporting customers with disabilities and striving to improve accessibility for all passengers.
Mr. Allen’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by disabled individuals when travelling and underscores the importance of enhancing support and inclusivity in the transportation sector. His advocacy for a level playing field for disabled individuals resonates with calls for greater attention to accessibility and equality across all facets of society.