Explainer | After blind Hong Kong men pulled off HK Express flight, the Post examines disabled rights

The rights of disabled people on flights outlined after HK Express orders visually impaired men off a plane due to take off for Tokyo

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HK Express denies that the men were forcibly removed and insists the passengers were asked to leave the cabin. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 10:30am, 8 Jul 2024Updated: 11:48am, 8 Jul 2024

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways’ budget wing, HK Express, became embroiled in controversy after two visually impaired passengers said they were forced off a flight, triggering outrage from a campaign group for the blind.

But HK Express denied that the men had been forcibly removed and insisted the passengers had been asked to leave the cabin.

The airline added the decision was made because ground staff and cabin crew had reached different conclusions on whether the two men could travel without a companion, and time had been needed for management to conduct an assessment.

It was not the first time the visually impaired had come up against obstacles when trying to board a flight in Hong Kong.

Last year, a visually impaired customer was asked to prove her disability and travel with someone who could look after her.

The airline later apologised and provided the requested escort for boarding after the Hong Kong Blind Union intervened.

The Equal Opportunities Commission in 2017 launched a guide to accessible air travel, designed to help disabled passengers understand their rights and obligations and give tips for a smooth journey.