Wheelchair-Bound Author Stranded on Tarmac as Plane Departs without Them: A Disability Rights Advocate’s Frustration

An incident involving three individuals being left on the tarmac as their plane departed without them has recently been reported by the Washington Post. Liz Weir, an author who uses a wheelchair, was one of those left behind with her luggage on board. The delay caused her to miss a speaking event due to the inability to catch another flight nearly eight hours later.

Weir, who was due to fly from Belfast to Edinburgh with easyJet, arrived early for the short flight. She was accompanied by another passenger in a wheelchair and their husband. As they reached the tarmac, the jet stairs were removed, and despite attempts to get the attention of the pilots, the plane took off without them.

The incident has had a significant impact on Weir’s schedule and reputation. In an interview with BBC News, she expressed her frustration and emphasized the importance of airlines taking better care of passengers with mobility issues. Despite missing her flight, she was able to catch a later one and eventually arrived in Edinburgh late in the evening.

EasyJet has acknowledged the incident and attributed it to a misunderstanding by their ground handling team and crew. They apologized for any inconvenience caused and promised compensation for those affected. Belfast International Airport deferred to easyJet for further comment on this matter.