Disabled Author Stranded on Tarmac as Plane Takes Off, Missing Speaking Event

Liz Weir, an author who uses a wheelchair, was left on the tarmac as her plane took off without her, causing her to miss a speaking event. According to a report by the Washington Post, this happened after she arrived at Belfast International Airport several hours early for a short flight from Belfast to Edinburgh with easyJet.

As she was wheeled from the gate to the tarmac by airport staff, the jet stairs were removed and despite efforts to get the pilots’ attention, the plane taxied away and departed without them. Weir explained to the BBC that she was hoping for compensation due to lost earnings and appointments, as well as damage to her reputation from missing the event. She emphasized the importance of better treatment for individuals with mobility issues.

After missing the initial flight, Weir had to wait for a flight eight hours later and did not arrive in Edinburgh until late at night. She was able to retrieve her suitcase that had taken off on the earlier flight upon arrival in Edinburgh.

A spokesperson for Belfast International Airport stated that it was the airline’s responsibility to comment on the situation. EasyJet did not respond immediately to Business Insider’s request for a comment. In a statement shared with the Post,