There was social media outrage after Dana Airline was accused of discriminating against a passenger, Uzoamaka Ike, a woman with a disability.

Dana charged Ms Ike a fee for using a wheelchair.

Ms Ike had set out for a one-week training on March 8 2021, at Dana Airline’s Enugu terminal, when she was charged an extra N4,500 for her wheelchair, according to Foundation for Investigative Journalism.

Dana Air repeated the same process at its Abuja terminal, where Ms Ike, an advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities, was due to return home after her training.

“When coming back at their Abuja terminal, the young lady who was there did not even want to attend to me. The way she was behaving, she did not even take my flight booklet,” Ms Ike narrated.

“She said they won’t be flying me. She said I was not supposed to come with my own wheelchair. That they’re supposed to be taking me with their own wheelchair.

“I was like if I get to my destination does that mean I have to rent a wheelchair that will aid my movement? Then why do I have my aid with me, who is my brother? What is the essence of my wheelchair? She said that it’s their policy.”

This did not sit well with some users, including Chioma Agwuegbo, a social media strategist whose interests revolve around women.

In a series of tweets, Ms Agwuegbo described the fee as a form of injustice and infringement on fundamental human rights.

She said, “In this economy? Someone who already paid for her caregiver to travel with her, you charged for special assistance fee for handling of persons with disabilities? In 2021?”

Another Twitter user, @Ogdamie, noted, “Had same experience trying to fly my grandma in a wheelchair from Lagos to Abuja. Shiityyy airline even after I called to confirm the service, she was denied getting to the counter.”

While calling on the appropriate authorities to take action, describing Dana’s action as “inhumane,” @Dapsyn “What is wrong with people in this nation? Why are we always inhumane to one another? Authorities should please put organisations in check, a lot of these people are wicked exploiters.” 

The airline’s spokesman, Okwudili Ezenwa, did not respond to Peoples Gazette’s inquiry.

In December 2020, a Dana passenger with special needs, Chike Okogwu, accused Dana of violating his rights.

Mr Okogwu had related, “I met with all their conditions as displayed on their website. Bought 2 Biz Class Tickets as you can see. Pls never allow anybody trample on your rights. I am only disabled by a messed up system but very highly exposed, cerebral & compassionate.” 

Dana, in a statement, however, said, “As a matter of policy, comfort, and safety of our guests, we do not carry special passengers at night while offering to check him in first, on the 7:00 a.m. flight the next day.

“The said the passenger blatantly refused the offer and went violent on the Duty Manager, causing her injuries in the process.”