US government don fine American Airlines $50 million because dem no dey treat passengers with disabilities well, especially when it come to wheelchairs. Dis fine follow after investigation by de Transportation Department, which show say American Airlines neglect to properly assist passengers with disabilities and mishandle wheelchairs over a five-year period, from 2019 to 2023.
De investigation reveal say in some cases, wheelchair users even get injured, though dem no disclose de exact number. One particular incident wey dem catch on camera last year at Miami International Airport show workers mishandling a wheelchair, sending it crashing down a baggage ramp.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg no hold back in his response, calling American Airlines one of de worst offenders. He say de problems dem uncover no unique to American, as dem already dey investigate other airlines.
Buttigieg make it clear say de department dey take firm stance, saying “de era of tolerating poor treatment of wheelchair users on airplanes is over.” American Airlines, in their defense, say dem already make major investments to improve how dem handle wheelchairs and assist passengers with disabilities, spending over $175 million just this year on training, infrastructure, and equipment.
Dem report say dem cut de mishandling rate by 20 percent and dem being credited $25 million of their fine for those improvements and compensating passengers. American Airlines mishandle more than 10,000 wheelchairs and mobility scooters during de period in question.
Disability advocates, like Carl Blake from Paralyzed Veterans of America, dey applaud de move. Blake say dis enforcement show de airline industry say passengers with mobility disabilities deserve to travel with de same level of safety and dignity as everyone else.
Looking ahead, de Transportation Department also dey finalize new rules to protect passengers with disabilities. These rules would make it illegal for airlines to damage or delay de return of wheelchairs and would require annual training for airline employees who handle these mobility devices.
