Easyjet fined for disability discrimination

Disability discrimination criticised by court

The low-cost airline Easyjet has been found guilty of disability discrimination and ghee 70,000 Euro by a French court.

The case centres on the airline refusing to allow three wheelchair-bound passengers to board its planes, citing security reasons.

“This is a landmark ruling,” said Patrick de la Grange, lawyer for the plaintiffs and for the French Paralysed Association (APF).

“The court found that there was no prevailing security reason. This is an economic model that’s being punished, that of low-cost, with cost reductions, the aim is to have as few personnel as possible,” he said.

EasyJet lawyer Philippe Van der Meulen said: “We are disappointed and sad.”
“The company denies having had any discriminatory intention whatsoever. We respected European rules,” he said, adding that the airline would decide whether to appeal or not once it had seen the detailed judgement.

The three passengers were barred from three EasyJet flights from Paris’ Roissy-Charles de Gaulle hub between November 2008 and January 2009.

The British-based company said it was in compliance with British and European law when it refused to let the unaccompanied disabled passengers board for security reasons.

Equal and Diverse applauds the decidion of the French court and trusts that a clear message will be sent to transport providers to help address the ongoing discrimination against passengers with disabilities

Dr Donald Macaskill