The federal government’s Aviation White Paper is yet to address the challenges faced by air travellers with a disability

Physical Disability Australia
PDA Media Interaction
Mar 2025

“Melbourne family’s flight harness ordeal spurs call for better airline disability protocols.

A Melbourne family says a recent travel experience has highlighted different airline approaches to disability seating on flights.

The Qasim family have urged airlines to adopt more inclusive policies to assist passengers.

Disability advocates are calling for national changes in the wake of a comprehensive paper released last year…

The CEO of Physical Disability Australia Ltd (PDA), Jeremy Muir, said the family’s experience was frustratingly common.

“If you went to the airlines and asked them what their rules were, they would probably clearly state that they ensure that every passenger is treated equally,” Mr Muir said.

“But on the ground it doesn’t always happen that way.” “

READ Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) article:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-01/melbourne-family-cerebral-palsy-refused-harness-qatar-oman-air/104988898

WATCH Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News’ video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7-u_x206HA

Physical Disability Australia (PDA) is a national peak Disability Peoples Organisation run by and for people with physical disability, advocating for equal opportunity, inclusion and human rights across Australia. Established in 1995, PDA represents the voices and lived experiences of its members to influence policy, engage with government, and drive meaningful change, ensuring people with physical disability are respected, empowered and able to participate fully in all aspects of society.

Speak up. Get involved.

Whether you’re living with a disability, know someone who is, or simply believe in equal rights — your voice matters.

Join the Movement. Amplify Every Voice.

Together, we can break barriers and build a more inclusive world.

The federal government’s Aviation White Paper is yet to address the challenges faced by air travellers with a disability

Speak up. Get involved.

Join the Movement. Amplify Every Voice.

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