Management at Bristol airport apologised to Anthony Jones after assistance staff dropped the disabled man while boarding a flight last October.
“On 6th October 2013, I was boarding easyjet flight 6011 and was receiving special assistance available at Bristol International airport,” Anthony recalled. “Whilst in the Ambulift, the airport special assistance team attempted to lift me from my wheelchair to an aircraft aisle seat. During this process one agent was lifting my legs whilst the other held me directly under the arms and attempted to lift me to my left. He was unable to hold my weight, the aisle chair moved sideways and I was deposited on the floor.” Anthony said the assistance team attempted to lift him from the floor, but were unable to do so.
Assistive devices like slings and hoists are available to assist passengers when boarding and deplaning; however, they are rarely used.
Airport management also said an OCS director has offered to meet Mr Jones in order to fully understand the issues he has raised with a view to improving the airport experience for all passengers with reduced mobility.
Anthony’s suggestions range from eliminating manhandling from the enplaning/deplaning process to better seat allocation on board the aircraft.