Kingfisher Airlines denies sick toddler entry

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Feb 13, 2012 : Kingfisher Airlines stand accused of denying entry to a toddler who needed to be taken to Bangalore for advanced medical treatment on Feb 12 Sunday.

Abdul Hadi, the one-and-a-half-year-old son of Ibrahim of Kasargod, was admitted to a hospital in Mangalore for fever. The doctor who examined him said that he needs to be taken to NIMHANS, Bangalore for advanced treatment and also furnished the required medical documents for his treatment in Bangalore.

Ibrahim got in touch with Kingfisher Airlines and made arrangements to fly Hadi to Bangalore. He also got tickets for himself and three of his family members including Hadi’s mother for the Sunday afternoon flight.

 

 

Parents of the Baby in the Hospital where the child is admitted

 

Hadi was taken to the airport by ambulance, but Kingfisher officials refused to allow the toddler on board as they needed more documents and refused to accept the doctor’s letter. Stating that the patient required oxygen, they said that the aircraft does not have oxygen facilities. They wanted the word “must” to be changed to “have” before the toddler could be given entry.

The officials refused to listen to any plea or argument and the family’s attempts to get in touch with the Kingfisher official who had previously granted permission also failed.

This resulted in Hadi and his family missing the flight. The child had to be moved back to the hospital and alternate arrangements were made to take him to Bangalore via ambulance.

Reportedly, Kingfisher Airlines refunded Ibrahim.