Air Canada Fined For Disability Passenger Violations

Air Canada was fined this week for violations of the Accessible Transportation for Persons With Disabilities Regulations.

It is understood the violations were around providing services to a person with a disability, of which this incident took place back in August 2023.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

Air Canada Fined For Disability Passenger Violations…

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The Canadian Government said the following on the $97,500 fine for Air Canada following this violation:

“On August 30, 2023, Air Canada failed to assist a wheelchair user to disembark its aircraft. The passenger, who has spastic cerebral palsy and is unable to move his legs, was forced to disembark the aircraft on his own.”

“In addition, while the passenger was waiting in the terminal, Air Canada failed to ensure that their personnel periodically inquired about his needs.”

“Contraventions relate to subsections 35(f), 35(h) and 37(b) of the ATPDR. Air Canada has 30 days to request a review before the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.”

It will be interesting to see whether the carrier will appeal the penalty imposed by the Canadian Government, or whether they will just pay the fine.

This will come as yet another blow in the PR strategy of the Canadian carrier, after a series of additional events that have not worked well in their favour.

All eyes will be on what steps the airline will take to ensure things like this don’t happen again. The Canadian Government will be watching the airline closely for any additional violations, as the penalties will no doubt be higher if the same thing happens again.