In December 2021, an incident at Seville airport sparked public outcry. A woman with multiple sclerosis, who uses an electric wheelchair, faced an unexpected obstacle: the flight captain refused to let her board, despite all arrangements having been made in advance with the airline. Instead of flying to Bilbao, the couple had to urgently seek an alternative and embark on a long drive in a rented car.
The situation was made worse by the fact that there had been no issues on their outbound flight—the wheelchair with a lithium battery was allowed on board. However, on the return trip, the captain insisted the passengers disembark and called in officers from the Guardia Civil to escort the couple out of the terminal. All attempts to explain that the battery could be removed failed. As a result, the couple were forced to travel nearly 900 kilometers by land to get home.
Court proceedings and verdict
The affected couple went to court, seeking compensation for emotional distress and expenses incurred. The court in Bergara fully satisfied their claims, ordering the airline to pay €1,500. This sum covered car rental costs, the unused ticket, compensation for denied boarding, and emotional damages. The judge noted that the carrier not only violated the passenger’s rights but also failed to provide any alternative assistance for their return, as required by European law.
Despite significant health limitations, the woman leads an active lifestyle and drives a car herself. She had never encountered similar problems during flights before, using an ordinary wheelchair. After the incident, the couple chose to rent an electric wheelchair at their destination to avoid a repeat of the unpleasant experience.
Reaction and consequences
The story sparked a wave of discussion among people with disabilities and their families. Many note that such incidents undermine trust in airlines and create additional barriers for travelers. The victim emphasized that for her, it is not about the money, but about ensuring this never happens to anyone else. She called on airlines to show more attention and humanity towards passengers with special needs.
The court’s decision has come into force and cannot be appealed. This case serves as a reminder of the need for strict compliance with the rights of all passengers and the importance of an individual approach in atypical situations.
