Is easyJet anti the disabled?
Thursday August 19, 2010 - Email this article to a friend

Apparently the airline will not let disabled people travel unless they have an accompanying adult with them who would then be able to help them to an exit in an emergency and deal with other problems.

It could have serious implications for people who use the airline after a ski accident who are either in a wheel chair or have reduced mobility.

EasyJet is a popular airline with skiers and snowboarders and is the biggest operator out of Geneva.

European aviation safety regulations require that a passenger can get to an exit with 90 seconds and the airline says it is simply adhering to the law.

A statement on the airline's webs site defends its position saying that all passengers  must be "self-reliant in emergency and evacuation situations".

Need to reach exit in 90 seconds"In reality, this means that you should be able to undo your own seatbelt, put on your own oxygen mask, lifejacket and make your own way to your nearest emergency exit unaided."

The French government thinks differently.

France's Transport Minister, Dominique Bussereau, has asked the French civil aviation authority, DGAC, to conduct an investigation.

In a statement on the French transport ministry's website, the minister said the airline should not be allowed to "hide behind safety regulations".

"It must implement solutions adapted to each case, as most companies do. Otherwise it must be sanctioned with the greatest severity," Bussereau said.

EasyJet said it operates the same policy as many other European airlines and it is in discussion with the French authorities to resolve the matter.

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