Al-Jazirah

Flyadeal did not let a young boy who is disabled board one of its flights because it did not have facilities for people with special needs. The company apologized to the boy and his father for the mistake and reviewed its policies following mounting public pressure on Twitter.

It issued a statement in which it apologized and said that it had corrected the situation. This incident turns the spotlight on the issue of budget airlines and our airport facilities, and whether they are accessible for those who are disabled.

In a few months time, the General Authority of Civil Aviation is going to issue travel guidelines for people who have special needs. The guidelines will help disabled people understand their rights and the rules that are applicable in airports. An airline company could be fined up to SR25,000 for violating the rules. People with disabilities need more professional care and should be provided with all accessible services at airports, regardless of their disability.

Many people think that budget flights have poor standards, but this is untrue. Budget airlines are a new development, they are the future and suitable for all passengers even the wealthy. Budget airlines emerged around 18 years ago and have only appeared in the Kingdom a few years ago. Flyadeal and other budget airlines should address the misconception people have about budget airlines.