Virgin Australia damages $33,000 specialist wheelchair on flight
A six-year-old with a rare genetic disorder lost the use of her $33,000 wheelchair. It was damaged on a Virgin Australia flight.
Adelaide Tuimalealiifano is one of about 60 people worldwide with a genetic disorder that destroys wrist and ankle bones. Adelaide largely relies on her specialist wheelchair for most movement.
During a Townsville to Brisbane flight, a bracket twisted and broke the chair. The family discovered the damage when they landed at Brisbane Airport.
Without a working wheelchair, her father carried her through the hospital. This is part of a pattern: Virgin Australia has had multiple wheelchair damage incidents since 2017.
Disability advocates say the airline industry needs mandatory reporting of such incidents. Staff also need training on handling specialised equipment.
One mother said: "If our daughter was an adult and travelled alone and couldn't walk, she wouldn't be able to leave the airport. She would be stranded."
- $33,000
- Wheelchair cost
- 6 years old
- Adelaide's age
- About 60
- People worldwide with MCTO
- Almost 100,000
- Video views
Why it mattersSome people with disabilities depend on specialised equipment to travel and work. When it is damaged, they become isolated.
AustraliaAustralians with disabilities are calling for mandatory incident reporting and proper training to prevent airlines from damaging their mobility equipment.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
