KLM apologises after Paralympian denied onboard wheelchair on 11-hour flight
Summary
KLM apologized to Paralympic athlete Hannah Babalola after she was denied use of an onboard wheelchair to reach the toilet during her nearly 11-hour flight. Despite asking for help, the cabin crew refused and involved police, who took no action. KLM said it will review the case.Key Facts
- Hannah Babalola is a 37-year-old Paralympic athlete who uses a wheelchair and competes in track events.
- She was traveling from Chicago to Cape Town via Amsterdam on a KLM flight lasting almost 11 hours.
- Babalola requested an onboard aisle wheelchair to use the toilet during the flight.
- Cabin crew refused, citing safety concerns about turbulence, and gave her a written warning for "unacceptable conduct."
- Police were called but did not intervene; airport police also declined to act.
- Babalola avoided eating and drinking to reduce the need to use the toilet, causing her distress and discomfort.
- KLM apologized and said it will conduct a full review of the situation.
- The incident raises concerns about the treatment of disabled passengers and equal access to services.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.