PNG Air admits failure to assist blind man

Martin Kawage

Recently re-branded PNG Air has mistreated a  person living with disability, PNGFM reports. Martin Kawage  who is literally blind was mistreated  by the airline when he tried to purchase a ticket for a flight from Goroka to Port Moresby.

Martin Kawage, who is legally blind is a former teacher at the Mt Sion special education for people with disabilities.

Mr Kawage who was trying to purchase a ticket at the PNG Air office in Goroka was refused service as PNG Air Agents in Goroka told him that he needed a guardian to accompany him on the flight and of which he himself would have to meet the cost.

Mr Kawage expressed that such is uncalled for an airline company operating nationally as there is an existing bill passed in Parliament since 2006 for People with Disabilities to be treated fair and assisted as required.

Meanwhile, PNG Air Management has responded that items 26 and 29 of their Conditions of Carriage outlining their policy for passengers traveling with a disability stating that any person with disability intending to travel with them should warrant that he/she can travel independently or if not, he/she will be accompanied by a guardian. PNG Air has admitted that their “agent in Goroka failed by not asking Mr Kawage if he was prepared to travel independently or not.”

Furthermore PNG Air accepted that this matter “was a failure of understanding our terms and condition of carriage by the Goroka agent and will have this misunderstanding rectified quickly.”

PNG Air sales manager Linda Honey said “PNG Air regrets this unfortunate situation occurring” however, they are fully aware of the bill passed in parliament and will improve their services accordingly.

Source: PNGFM/ PNG Today