Airlines

A blind couple and their baby were stopped from boarding two separate flights after an airline tried to make them pay for an escort

A blind couple and their baby were denied boarding on two different planes, forcing them to wait a full week before returning from their vacation in Greece

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A blind couple and their baby were denied boarding on two different planes, forcing them to wait a full week before returning from their vacation in Greece. On December 2, Eythor Kamban Thrastarson and Emilia Pykarinou, who were flying with their one-year-old daughter, were supposed to take a Scandinavian Airlines flight from Athens, Greece to Iceland.

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According to reports from broadcaster RUV and the Iceland Review, when they arrived at their gate, employees wouldn’t allow them board unless they paid for an escort. This would have involved buying another seat on the plane, so they refused.

The pair was once more denied boarding for the same reason two days later, according to RUV. On December 9, a week later than expected and after three attempts, the family finally made it home. They said they were only allowed to board after another Icelandic passenger promised to act as their escort.

Thrastarson stated in an interview with RUV that Scandinavian Airlines permits children as young as five to fly unescorted on its flights and that his family should not be treated any differently.

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He thinks the airline may have been concerned because of the presence of his 1-year-old daughter. According to Iceland Review, Thrastarson stated that he and his partner would not have purchased the ticket if they did not felt safe caring for their child on board.

The pair stated that they intend to take legal action against Scandinavian Airlines. They received assistance from the Icelandic Association of the Visually Impaired and the Icelandic Consulate in Greece.

Scandinavian Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Related Topics:SAS Scandinavian airlines

Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.