As Australia enters the busiest travel season of the year, people with disability risk being left behind. Given the lack of consistent support from airlines, a new campaign is being launched to seek action from the Federal Government. Only consistent, regulated standards will ensure all people with disabilities are able to travel on planes with ease and dignity.
The campaign, supported by a video featuring Shane Hryhorec and a visit to Australia by Sophie Morgan of Rights on Flights, aims to bring broader attention to the systemic issues in air travel that result in mistreatment, discrimination, and dangerous situations for disabled passengers.
“For too long people with disabilities have been left at airports to fend for ourselves or seek the assistance of strangers. It’s unacceptable. That’s why we need government intervention,” says Shane Hryhorec, disability advocate and Chair of Accessible Beaches Australia.
“Lack of, and inconsistent access, is a problem that affects all people with disabilities when they travel. We are calling for the introduction of minimum standards for airlines, including mandatory wheelchair spaces, hoists at every gate, and comprehensive staff training on how to support passengers with disabilities. These standards should be developed in collaboration with people with disabilities from diverse sectors to ensure they address the real issues disabled passengers face.”
The new video campaign highlights the ongoing struggles faced by people with disabilities when flying.
In the video, Shane shares his personal experiences and those of others, shedding light on the deeply flawed processes disabled passengers must endure when booking flights and navigating airports. From missing wheelchairs on Christmas Day to hours of phone calls just to book a flight, these stories are not isolated. They represent the harsh reality faced by thousands of Australians living with disabilities.
The campaign is supported by high-profile examples of discrimination, including incidents involving prominent disability advocates like Dr. Dinesh Palipana, who was tipped from his wheelchair at Brisbane Airport, and Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott, who was left stranded on an aeroplane. Kurt Fearnley, another disability advocate, had to crawl through an airport terminal due to a lack of accessible facilities.
Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes stated that "If the airline industry truly values dignity and safety for all passengers, it must do better for people with disabilities."
Lisa Feder, Acting Chief Operating Officer of estara, the peak body for Spinal Cord Injury in South Australia, said: “Consistent travel standards across air travel will support a predictable experience. Travel evokes anxiety for so many of our members.”
“The timing of the campaign is deliberate. With the holiday travel season highlighting the frustrations of disabled passengers, the campaign amplifies calls for government action. Disability organisations such as the Paraplegic & Quadriplegic Association of South Australia Ltd (PQSA) and Australian Quadriplegic Association (AQA) have long raised these issues, and it is now time for enforceable solutions. Airlines have been given opportunities to address accessibility concerns independently, but voluntary reforms have fallen short,” said Shane Hryhorec
“This campaign isn’t just about identifying problems. It’s about demanding tangible solutions,” Hryhorec adds.
The Australian Government’s Aviation White Paper has outlined several initiatives that could transform the air travel experience for people with disabilities, including: Aviation-specific disability standards that will affirm the rights of people with disabilities and the obligations of airlines and airports.
Requirements for airlines to offer passenger assistance profiles, enabling travellers to communicate accessibility needs in advance.
Provisions for better remedies for damaged mobility devices, including increased compensation limits.
Mandating coordination between airlines and airports to facilitate seamless passenger journeys for people with disabilities.
“These are positive steps, but people with disabilities but we want to see more and we don’t want to wait until 2026 to see these changes implemented. We need to see action now,” says Shane Hryhorec. “Collaboration with people with disabilities and experts is critical to ensure these initiatives meet the needs of the community and deliver meaningful change.”
Sophie Morgan’s work with Right On Flights and the upcoming Australian launch of her documentary, Right to Fly, adds global momentum to the campaign, showcasing the need for systemic change in air travel accessibility worldwide.
The public is encouraged to share their personal stories through the campaign website. These stories will be sent to the Prime Minister and every disability minister in Australia, urging them to act swiftly and implement necessary changes.
As we approach the busy holiday travel season, it is critical that the aviation industry be held to a higher standard of accessibility and fairness for all passengers, regardless of ability.
Youtube Video link https://youtu.be/o9qyZpAHTrc
Contact details:
Shane Hryhorec
Phone: 0433 388 502
shane@pushmobility.com.au