BBC reporter slams airline over wheelchair assistance
BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner has told how he was left waiting for half an hour on an empty Easyjet plane for wheelchair assistance over the weekend.
Mr Gardner has used a wheelchair since he was left partially paralysed during an attack while reporting from Saudi Arabia in 2004.
See also: Passengers forced off Easyjet flight after plane gets stuck
See also: Drunk Easyjet passenger who caused delays fined £1000
He complained about the lack of timely wheelchair assistance on a return flight from the French Alps on Sunday night, according to the BBC and the Guardian.
He was reportedly left waiting for assistance for at Gatwick Airport for half an hour after all the other passengers had disembarked.
Mr Gardner shared pictures and his frustration on social media. One image showed him on an empty plane and he wrote: "Once more stuck on empty plane at Gatwick Airport after all passengers off and heading home as special assistance have failed to turn up."
Once more stuck on empty plane at Gatwick Airport after all passengers off and heading home as special assistance have failed to turn up. pic.twitter.com/2fFgJFwGOQ
— Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) January 8, 2017
He also shared a picture saying he has experienced the issue at other airports outside the UK.
This problem is not confined to U.K. Here's me and singer Gloria Gaynor in Paris waiting for hi-lift after all other passengers were off. pic.twitter.com/ryJeLSDSKT
— Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) January 9, 2017
After a tweet expressing his disappointment, Frank said that the companies involved were investigating.
Dear @Gatwick_Airport@easyJet@Ocs_Assist Your failure to get disabled pax promptly off planes even AFTER all others r off is inexcusable.
— Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) January 8, 2017
Pleased to say that @Gatwick_Airport@easyJet and @Ocs_Assist hv all responded + r investigating how to stop disabled pax stranded onboard
— Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) January 8, 2017
My thanks to @easyJet@Ocs_Assist and @Gatwick_Airport for taking seriously the issue of getting disabled passengers promptly off planes 1/2
— Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) January 9, 2017
Seems my experience @Gatwick_Airport has been shared by many others at UK airports. Needed now is better coordination, not more reports! 2/2
— Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) January 9, 2017
Easyjet has apologised for the incident and confirmed it has raised the issue with the firm that provides special assistance at Gatwick.
A spokesperson told Aol Travel: "Easyjet is sorry that Mr Gardner was delayed around 30 minutes upon arrival at London Gatwick, cabin crew remained with him during the delay. We have taken this up with OCS who are the special assistance provider to all airlines at London Gatwick airport and are in contact with Mr Gardner about his experience."
