News

The Disability Rights Commission is appealing for people who have been charged for using a wheelchair by airline company Ryanair, to contact them.

The disability watchdog, which has so far been contacted by 30 disabled people who have been forced to pay the charge, is considering a class action against the company and the British Airports Authority.

The move follows the case of a man with cerebral palsy and arthritis who was charged £18 each way to use a wheelchair when he travelled with Ryanair.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act a disabled person cannot receive “less favourable” treatment than a non-disabled person, which includes having to pay an additional charge for a service.

DRC chairperson Bert Massie said: “It’s outrageous that Ryanair are forcing disabled people to pay for something so vital. Disabled people shouldn’t have to pay more than anyone else for the right to travel.”