Ryanair Wheelchair User Left Crying At Gate After Being Asked To Walk Up Stairs

Ryanair Asked Wheelchair User To Walk Up Stairs And Left Her In Tears

A Ryanair wheelchair user Niamh Herbert was told by Ryanair staff that they had to leave without her as boarding her would take too long and there were 'no exceptions.'

This disgusting act of ableism was experienced by Trinity student Niamh, as she was on her way to London with Trinity's Fashion Soc for London Fashion Week. The first hurdle was when she was told she has to wait an extra fifteen minutes before she could board the flight. She was then asked could she walk up the stairs 'for easiness sake.'

Terrible service by @Ryanair regards my wheelchair, making me wait 15+ extra minutes to board

— Ireland / Laura (@ireland) February 17, 2017

Got asked could I just walk up the stairs instead of being properly accommodated @Ryanair you're a disgrace

— Ireland / Laura (@ireland) February 17, 2017

If this wasn't bad enough, the captain then informed her that he was leaving without her, stranding her in Dublin airport. She wasn't attended to until she 'threatened a lawsuit' and agreed to put her on the next flight.

And the captain is pulling off without me. @Ryanair you can't apologise for this.

— Ireland / Laura (@ireland) February 17, 2017

Only when threatened with a lawsuit did @Ryanair agree to put me on the 8:10 flight. How pathetic of them.

— Ireland / Laura (@ireland) February 17, 2017

The air hostesses left Niamh at the gate crying while her friends boarded the flight. Ryanair completely mishandled the entire situation and didn't even issue her an apology. Instead, the only acknowledgement Niamh received was a cold tweet from Ryanair; 'Hi Niamh, Our Crew at Dublin Airport are providing assistance. Please advise if you need any further information. LR.'

Air-hostesses are v uncaring and have left me sitting at gate 104 crying my eyes out. Classy, @Ryanair . Your staff is terrible.

— Ireland / Laura (@ireland) February 17, 2017

Not even an apology. https://t.co/xUOmTYZRIf

— Ireland / Laura (@ireland) February 17, 2017

Many people have shown their support to Niamh, letting her know that Ryanair's behaviour was disgraceful. According to IrishCentral, Niamh has said that the president of Trinity's student union has contacted her, and said that he has been in touch with the university's attorney to see if Ryanair had broken Irish disability legislation.