Paralympian unable to board flight accuses Aer Lingus of discrimination

One of Ireland’s most legendary paralympians has claimed he was a victim of discrimination after he was unable to board an Aer Lingus flight in Heathrow last night because no one was available to carry out a wheelchair transfer.

John Twomey, a sailor from Kinsale and veteran of 10 Paralympic Games, had been travelling back to Cork from South Korea when the drama unfolded. He had been due to fly at 10.15pm but had got to London on time to make the 6.15pm flight.

“I went to the Aer Lingus desk to check in for the 6.15pm flight to Cork at 5.15pm,” Mr Twomey said.