Boy with cerebral palsy kicked off flight 'for not sitting properly'

Asian Airline Companies In Paris, France In January, 1998.
Asian Airline Companies In Paris, France In January, 1998.



A teenager with cerebral palsy and autism was thrown off a flight after "not sitting in his seat properly".

David Bysooa was flying to Mauritius to visit his grandparents and was put in an aisle seat on the Air Mauritius flight, even though his mum had booked a window seat where he feels more relaxed.

See also: Autistic girl kicked off flight after making pilot 'uncomfortable'

The 16-year-old, who has mild autism and learning disabilities, kept leaning over the woman next to him to while the plane was still at Heathrow Airport.

When the passenger complained, he was removed from the flight after the crew could not find an alternative seat.

See also: Woman forced to carry disabled sister off Jetstar flight

The Evening Standard reports that his mother Mrs Bysooa, who works for Kenyan Airlines at Heathrow, said the way her son was treated "was appalling".

She said: "This is someone who frequently flies with the airline and is well known. They should have understood why he needed to have a window seat."

According to the Daily Mail, a charity which has taken up the family's complaint said the airline argued that it cannot guarantee specific seats on its aircraft.

In an email to support worker Tom Quilter of Achieving for Children, Air Mauritius said the teen had leaned over a "nervous flyer" and created a "very uncomfortable atmosphere," adding that the decision to remove his was not "taken lightly".

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