Disabled passenger falls to his death on escalator at Airport

While Singapore Airlines was chastised online this week for failing to pack and board a specially designed wheelchair for a Malaysian special needs passenger, here is a tragic story about a disabled passenger.

But we will all agree that this is a tragic event that should never have occurred.

A disabled passenger died after falling off an escalator at Gatwick Airport while waiting to disembark from an EasyJet flight.

Despite the Airport’s and Airlines’ explanations, a source told a U.K. newspaper that the real issue was staffing shortages, which meant some disabled people had to wait for hours for assistance.

However, Gatwick stated that it is standard practice for staff to disembark passengers who require special assistance one at a time.

EasyJet confirmed the tragedy in a statement, adding that members of its cabin crew assisted the unnamed passenger while waiting for paramedics.

The tragedy occurs at a time when airports across the country are experiencing travel chaos due to chronic staff shortages.

Airport chaos to continue

In the U.K, experts have warned that the chaos seen at airports in recent weeks could last another year.

The country saw long lines, misplaced bags, and delays that have disrupted the travel plans of thousands of British holidaymakers in recent days, with some missing flights due to hours-long security lines.

The problems are due to a staff shortage as demand for travel rises as Covid entry restrictions are relaxed in countries around the world.

Hiring and training airport personnel takes time, especially for Border Force positions, which are recruited separately by the Home Office.

One airport recruitment expert has warned that the current staffing issues could take a year to resolve.

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