KARACHI:
I am a 72-year-old pensioner and recently travelled alone from Islamabad to Manchester following a surgery. My experience at Islamabad Airport on 7th May highlighted serious shortcomings in the treatment of elderly and disabled passengers at the airport.
When I requested wheelchair assistance, the staff initially questioned my need because I was able to stand on my feet — though only briefly. This reflects poor awareness of hidden disabilities and post-operative mobility problems. Not every disabled passenger is visibly unable to stand. Also a single wheelchair was available at a busy 10am departure window at Islamabad airport.
I was informed that since wheelchair assistance had not been requested at the time of my original booking months earlier, additional charges would apply — simply disregarding the fact that medical conditions can change suddenly, especially for elderly travellers.
The process inside the airport was also chaotic and lacked transparency. I was charged Rs2,500 for wheelchair assistance and another Rs2,500 for porter services, with no receipts issued. Different staff appeared to demand different amounts and assistants kept changing inside terminal without any regulated process.
In addition, my luggage exceeded the allowance by only two kilograms. Due to my medical condition, I was unable to reorganise or lift baggage myself and was left with little option but to pay further excess luggage charges. In total, I paid close to Rs20,000 in additional costs linked directly or indirectly to my disability and reduced mobility.
Elderly and disabled passengers deserve dignity, transparency and proper support, not confusion and informal cash demands. There is thus the need to urgently review disability assistance procedures and staff training at the airport.
Nuzhat
Manchester
