A disability rights advocate, Chinwe Iromuanya, popularly known as Chi Chi Iro, has raised concerns over what she described as a troubling experience involving passengers with disabilities while boarding a Delta Airlines flight at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Iromuanya, a lawyer and founder of The Enabled Life Organization, said the incident occurred while she was departing Lagos on a flight initially scheduled for March 1 but later postponed to March 2. She explained that the situation at the airport was marked by confusion, with some passengers reportedly told they were not on the flight despite having confirmed tickets.
According to her, the most disturbing part of the experience was the lack of accessibility for persons with disabilities. She alleged that there were no elevators available to take passengers to the departure hall, forcing her and other passengers with disabilities to climb steep stairs while being physically supported by airport staff.
The advocate said that upon reaching the aircraft, passengers were required to climb about 25 additional stairs to board, noting that there was no wheelchair lift or other accessibility support. She added that she witnessed wheelchair users, elderly passengers and other persons with disabilities struggling to climb the stairs under unsafe conditions.
Iromuanya further alleged that when she began documenting the situation, airline staff told her she would not be allowed to travel unless she deleted the videos. She described the experience as humiliating and traumatizing, noting that she and another passenger living with cerebral palsy were reportedly told they could not board the aircraft if they could not climb the stairs.
She therefore called on Delta Airlines and relevant aviation authorities in Nigeria to urgently address accessibility gaps at airports and ensure that air travel is safe, dignified and inclusive for passengers with disabilities. She emphasized that accessible infrastructure is essential for protecting the rights and safety of all travelers. At the time of filling this report, the relevant authorities have not responded to the incident.
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