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Ryanair passenger stranded due to missing wheelchair

Mother and son faced travel challenges after wheelchair was not loaded on their flight.

August 1, 2025 at 08:21 AM

Mother and quadriplegic son left stranded in Warsaw after wheelchair not put on Ryanair flight

A mother recounts the difficulties she faced traveling with her disabled son on Ryanair.

Mother and son face challenges of disabled travel with Ryanair

Kirsty Diaso and her son Andre, who has cerebral palsy and is quadriplegic, encountered significant problems during their recent flight from Dublin to Warsaw. The child's essential postural support chair was not loaded onto the Ryanair aircraft, forcing Diaso to navigate the airport and transport her son without necessary equipment. After a troublesome wait, the chair arrived three days later in damaged condition, with a repair company declaring it unfixable. Despite the airline's acknowledgment of the incident, Diaso criticized the lack of support and solutions provided for disabled passengers during her ordeal.

Key Takeaways

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Ryanair failed to load necessary wheelchair for a disabled child on a flight.

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Mother struggled to transport her son alone without his mobility aid.

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The missing wheelchair was delivered broken, leaving the child uncomfortable.

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Difficulties in air travel continue for disabled passengers despite recent reviews.

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Advocates call for improved support and resources for traveling families.

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The experience raises concerns about discrimination against disabled travelers.

"It was just a disaster, it was horrendous; it is so stressful."

Kirsty Diaso described her experience of traveling without her son's wheelchair.

"What I’ve found with disabled children is people just expect you to carry them."

Diasi highlighted a common misconception about handling disabled children during travel.

"I have seen a lack of assistance and discrimination against disabled travellers for the last 20 years."

Diaso reflects on the systemic issues she has observed over time in air travel.

This situation highlights ongoing issues regarding the treatment of disabled travelers in the aviation industry. Despite improvements suggested in recent reviews, such as clearer communication and improved training, incidents like this one reveal a consistent gap between policy and practice. Diaso's experience reflects the struggles many disabled individuals and families face, underscoring a greater need for systemic change in how air travel accommodates those with disabilities. Advocacy for tailored solutions must continue to push for tangible progress in airline practices.

Highlights

Nothing has changed for disabled air passengers in two decades.
To deny someone comfort and dignity is a whole different level.
It is really disheartening to think of the future like that.
A small wheelchair should be provided at airports for disabled children.

Significant risks for disabled travelers

Incidents like the one faced by Diaso highlight ongoing discrimination and logistical challenges in air travel for disabled passengers, raising concerns about airline practices and customer service.

Traveling with disabilities requires more than good intentions, it calls for action.

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ryanair disability travel aviation accessibility travel disability aviation

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