Three easyJet passengers requiring wheelchair assistance were left stranded on the tarmac at Belfast International Airport after their flight departed without them on Friday afternoon. Among them was Liz Weir, a 73-year-old author and narrator from County Antrim, who was due to host an event in Edinburgh that evening.
Weir, who uses a wheelchair due to a heart condition, arrived at the airport at 10:30am for the 1pm flight to Edinburgh. She was escorted to the aircraft steps after all other passengers had boarded, but the steps were then pulled away and the pilot made a gesture indicating she could not board. 'It's totally discriminatory what has happened,' she told The Irish News.
The plane left with her suitcase still on board, and she did not reach Edinburgh until 8:50pm, missing her event. 'People had bought tickets and they were sitting there waiting for me and I didn't make it,' she said. Another wheelchair passenger was also left behind, and both were described as 'really, really stressed' by the ordeal.
An easyJet spokesperson apologised and said the airline had 'urgently raised' the incident with the airport's special assistance provider and ground handling team. They added that alternative flights were arranged for the passengers, who were given refreshment vouchers while they waited.
