Taxi drivers who left a disabled woman feeling “humiliated” by refusing to take her from Aberdeen International Airport could have their licences revoked.
Barbara Howard, a disabled woman from Nottingham, was horrified when she arrived at the airport and six taxi drivers – whose vehicles had been adapted to accommodate her wheelchair – refused to give her a lift.
Mrs Howard said her experience had been a “dreadful” advert for the city, and former Aberdeen MP Dame Anne Begg said the incident was “particularly annoying”.
Airport bosses yesterday confirmed that they had identified the drivers responsible and taken them to task shortly after learning about the ordeal.
Wheelchair user speaks of ‘humiliating’ treatment by Aberdeen airport taxis
And, following a probe involving the council, they could be stripped of their right to work in the trade.
A spokeswoman said: “We are shocked and extremely disappointed about Ms Howard’s treatment at the weekend, we pride ourselves on the levels of service we provide to our customers and do not expect any passenger travelling through our airport to experience such poor service.
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“We immediately instructed checks to be carried out on all wheelchair accessible vehicles to ensure those who drive these types of vehicle can use the equipment effectively.
“We are also reminding all drivers of their licensing regulations and the terms of the airport’s code of conduct.
“We will be in contact with Ms Howard to express our apologies personally.
“Disciplinary action has been taken against those drivers involved as behaviour of this nature will simply not be tolerated.”
“We are also working pro-actively with Aberdeen City Council to review the licensing of the drivers involved.”
