Allegation of passenger harassment by Emirates sparks concerns

City Desk:

Allegations of passenger harassment by Emirates Airlines have come under scrutiny after a 71-year-old Bangladeshi-origin US citizen was reportedly denied wheelchair assistance and left standing for hours during her journey to New York, raising concerns over the airline’s passenger service standards despite its significant operations in Bangladesh.

Laila Hussain, who was travelling from Dhaka to JFK on July 10 via Emirates Flights (Ticket number 1767216423865) EK587 (seat 11 H) and EK 205 (seat 47C), was initially provided a wheelchair at Dhaka airport, reports UNB.

However, upon landing at Dubai International Airport, despite informing the cabin crew of her inability to walk, she did not receive a wheelchair at the gate as promised, her family alleged.
Emirates ground staff reportedly instructed her to “walk a bit” to receive a wheelchair, but after walking a considerable distance, no wheelchair assistance was provided. During her layover at Dubai, she was also required to take a train to another terminal without assistance, her family said.

The situation reportedly worsened at Milan Airport during a two-hour layover for Flight EK205, where, contrary to usual procedures, all passengers were deboarded, and no seating arrangement was available for passengers.