AirAsia’s Wheelchair Controversy Sparks Outrage on TikTok
Recent TikTok videos featuring a man navigating the aisle of an AirAsia flight have ignited a firestorm of discussion among netizens. Posted by Eva Keliat on September 29, these videos show the man, whom she describes as a “paraplegic,” struggling to grip onto plane seats as he slowly makes his way down the aisle. In the footage, he tells an airline stewardess, “It’s not my fault,” highlighting the challenges he faced during the journey.
Flight from Jakarta to Singapore
Keliat explains that they had flown from Jakarta to Singapore the day before. According to her, the airline expected her to pay $40 for an aisle chair, which would allow the man to be seated in his own wheelchair. She noted that the wheelchair was only three metres away from the seat, raising questions about the airline’s policies on accessibility.
In a second video, two AirAsia employees are seen lifting the man, who repeats, “Don’t be alarmed, it’s not my fault.” The stewardess responds with a polite, “Sorry, sir.” The exact relationship between Keliat and the man remains unclear. Both videos quickly garnered over 200,000 views within a day, with many viewers expressing shock and sympathy in the comments. One user described the situation as “sad,” while another questioned the cruelty of the circumstances.
Another Passenger’s Experience
The outrage continued as another passenger, known only as Nadiah, shared her experience on Facebook. Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Penang with her husband and son on October 1, Nadiah, who is paralysed from the waist down, had to be piggybacked by her husband to her seat because her wheelchair could not fit in the aircraft. This incident further fueled criticism of AirAsia’s treatment of passengers with disabilities.
While some users reported spending $40 on wheelchair assistance for their paraplegic spouses, one passenger noted that cabin crew members were present but did not offer help. Instead, the individual filming the incident chose to record rather than assist.
AirAsia’s Response and Policies
In response to the growing backlash, AirAsia reached out to Kesavan Sivanandam, their Chief Airport and Customer Experience Officer, for assistance in auditing their customer service levels at the Mumbai airport after receiving numerous complaints. AirAsia has stated that passengers can bring their own wheelchairs to the airport without incurring additional fees.
According to their policy, unchecked baggage includes any mobility device that does not require batteries, which can be brought on board until the door closes. After that, staff will handle the loading of these devices into the cabin.
AirAsia also allows passengers to book Special Needs Assistance, including wheelchair services, up to four hours before their flight. However, only a limited number of wheelchair services are permitted per flight. The airline’s website clarifies that “reduced mobility” can refer to conditions such as quadriplegia or paraplegia. The cost for wheelchair service from Indonesia to Singapore is approximately 120,000 IDR (S$11.97).
Empathy and Consideration for People with Disabilities
This situation highlights the importance of being considerate towards individuals with disabilities. Just like everyone else, they deserve respect and fair treatment.
To foster a more inclusive environment, we can start by being aware of their needs. This involves asking questions and listening to their experiences. Additionally, taking the time to learn how we can better support people with disabilities is crucial.
For more information on AirAsia’s policies, visit their official website [here](https://www.airasia.com).
In conclusion, let’s strive to create a more empathetic society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, feels valued and respected.