Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia has come under the spotlight after a family with a special needs daughter was removed from a flight at Changi Airport due to the child’s seat restraint — despite having flown multiple times with it, including on AirAsia.
In a Facebook post last Thursday (May 28), Syarifah Ella Wan Wahab wrote an open letter to the airline recounting her experience boarding AirAsia flight AK1776 bound for Kuching on May 26 together with her husband, three young children and helper. One daughter has quadriplegic cerebral palsy.
The healthcare professional said she had declared her daughter’s aircraft/car seat, approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration, during check-in at Changi Airport. The family cleared immigration and boarding procedures uneventfully, and had settled into their seats before they were told to disembark.
Syarifah, who hails from Kuching and turned 32 on May 28, said the pilot had decided to deny the use of the seat, and crew provided no other explanation other than “it is our policy”.
After repeated requests for clarification, the crew told her that “the child must be between six months and three years old and must not exceed 18kg” when using the seat.
“As a healthcare professional myself, I understand the importance of safety protocols,” she wrote.
“However, I also believe that decisions involving children with disabilities should be approached with empathy, professionalism, clarity, and proper communication, especially when the matter directly affects their dignity and wellbeing,” she added.
Read Full Article At Source
