When disabled passenger and Paralympic athlete Hannah Babalola boarded KLM flight 598 on 26 May, she faced an unimaginable ordeal: the captain and crew told her she could not use an onboard aisle chair to reach the toilet, suggesting she wear a nappy instead or get off the plane. This incident highlights a systemic failure in air travel that humiliates millions of travelers with disabilities worldwide.
The Reality of Air Travel for Disabled Passengers
Air travel poses unique challenges for people with mobility impairments. While airlines are required by law in many countries to provide reasonable accommodations, the reality often falls short. Babalola's experience is not an isolated case—reports of passengers being denied aisle chairs, forced to crawl to lavatories, or even dragged off planes are alarmingly common.
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What Is an Aisle Chair?
An aisle chair is a narrow, wheeled device that allows a person who cannot walk to move through the aircraft cabin to the lavatory. Airlines operating wide-bodied aircraft are expected to have them on board. However, crew training and policies vary, leading to inconsistent availability and usage.
Legal Obligations vs. Actual Practices
Under regulations like the US Air Carrier Access Act and EU Regulation 1107/2006, airlines must provide assistance to disabled passengers, including aisle chairs. But enforcement is weak, and crew members often cite safety concerns—like turbulence—as reasons to deny access, even when conditions are calm.
| Airline Incident | Issue Reported | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| KLM Flight 598 (2025) | Denied aisle chair, told to wear nappy | Passenger forced to stay seated for 11 hours |
| American Airlines (2023) | Wheelchair damaged, passenger injured | Lawsuit filed |
| United Airlines (2019) | Passenger forced to drag herself off plane | Public apology and policy review |
Key Takeaways for Disabled Travelers
- Request special assistance at least 48 hours before your flight and confirm it is noted on your booking.
- Carry a printed copy of your rights under relevant laws (e.g., ACAA, EU 1107/2006).
- Document everything—record conversations, take photos, and note crew names.
- Know that you cannot be removed from a flight for needing reasonable accommodation; airlines must provide it unless it compromises safety (which must be proven).
FAQ: Disabled Passengers and Air Travel
Can an airline legally deny a disabled passenger access to an aisle chair?
Generally, no. Airlines operating aircraft with more than 60 seats are required to have an aisle chair and provide it upon request, unless there is a specific safety risk (e.g., severe turbulence). The crew must offer a reasonable alternative or explanation.
What should I do if an airline denies me accommodation?
Stay calm and ask to speak with a supervisor. Request a written explanation. If the issue persists, file a complaint with the airline after landing and also with your country's aviation authority (e.g., DOT in the US, CAA in the UK).
Is it true that disabled passengers must use their own wheelchairs in the cabin?
No. Personal wheelchairs are usually stored in the cargo hold. Passengers are provided an aisle chair or a cabin wheelchair to move within the aircraft. You have the right to be transferred safely.
The story of Hannah Babalola is a stark reminder that the aviation industry still has a long way to go in treating disabled passengers with dignity. Until airlines prioritize proper training, enforcement, and accountability, travelers must stay informed and advocate for their rights.
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