Editorial | Airline ordeal of blind pair in Hong Kong calls for reflection
- Removal of two men from HK Express flight to Tokyo, despite both having flown before, shows need to be sensitive and ensure dignity, as well as safety
Airlines should carefully examine their policies and procedures for serving disabled customers after a troubling case involving the removal of two visually impaired passengers preparing to fly from Hong Kong.
There is understandable concern after the incident involving Cathay Pacific Airways’ budget wing, HK Express.
An investigation is needed to clear the air and hopefully improve communication among staff and customers so safety obligations and passenger rights are addressed in a balanced and fair manner.
The Hong Kong Blind Union earlier this month called for the airline to open an inquiry and hold to account staff who made an “insulting and offensive” decision to remove Andy Chui Man-chun, 34, and John Li Chun-yin, 27, from the May 22 flight to Tokyo.
HK Express has apologised and vowed to boost training, but denied the two men were removed by force, and defended the move as being “based on safety considerations”.
Ground staff and cabin crew had reached different conclusions on whether the pair could travel by themselves, and needed time to consult management, it said.
