Samarthanam asks for compensation and justice for persons with disabilities
Bengaluru, June 12, 2026: Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled has strongly condemned the treatment meted out to their blind World Cup player and blind artist by Cathay Pacific Airlines. The passengers were denied boarding by Cathay Pacific at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, while travelling to Boston, USA, for a three-month international music and cultural tour.
This is not the first time that Cathay Pacific has done this, in 2024 Cathay Pacific offloaded two visually impaired passengers from a flight from Hongkong to Tokyo. Samarthanam is planning to initiate legal action against the airlines for the discrimination faced by the visually impaired passengers and the arrogance displayed by the airline staff.
The blind passengers were travelling to represent India and demonstrate the capabilities of persons with disabilities on an international platform. Instead, they were pushed out of the terminal by Cathay Pacific. The passengers were stranded in the middle of the night, out of the airport in cold weather, facing uncertainty, humiliation, and emotional distress.
According to them, the issue arose when an excess baggage payment could not be completed due to technical difficulties with the airline’s payment system. Despite repeated efforts by the travellers, Samarthanam representatives, and contacts in the United States to make the payment through available channels, the transaction failed due to the malfunctioning payment link. The beneficiaries maintain that they were willing to comply with all payment requirements and that the issue could have been resolved without denying them the opportunity to travel.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the treatment of passengers with disabilities and the need for greater empathy, sensitivity, and accessible grievance-resolution mechanisms within the aviation sector.
Mr. Mahantesh G K, Founder and Managing Trustee of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, said: “Our beneficiaries were travelling with pride and purpose, carrying the aspirations of thousands of persons with disabilities across the country. What they experienced was not merely a travel disruption; it was an assault on their dignity and confidence. No passenger should ever be made to feel helpless or unwelcome because of a disability. This incident highlights the urgent need for airlines and service providers to strengthen disability awareness and ensure that operational challenges are resolved with humanity, fairness, and respect. Samarthanam stands firmly with our employees and will pursue all appropriate avenues to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents from recurring.”
Mr. Lokesha H.G., an International Blind Cricketer, World Blind Cricket Champion, and one of the travellers involved in the incident, said:
“I have travelled extensively across India and internationally as a sportsperson representing my country. Never have I experienced a situation where I felt so helpless and humiliated. We were ready to cooperate and resolve the issue, but instead, we were left feeling that our disability had become the reason we were being treated differently. We were not asking for special treatment; we were asking for equal treatment and basic dignity. This experience was emotionally painful, but it has strengthened our resolve to continue advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities everywhere.”
Despite the setback, the beneficiaries displayed extraordinary resilience and determination. After hours of uncertainty, extensive coordination, and tremendous struggle, alternative travel arrangements were made, enabling the team to continue its journey with the help of British Airways
The beneficiaries have now successfully reached Boston, USA, where they are preparing to fulfil their international commitments and showcase their talent on a global stage
Samarthanam extends its sincere appreciation to British Airways and 2, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru for stepping in and facilitating alternative travel arrangements at short notice, ensuring that the beneficiaries could continue their journey and reach their destination.
Samarthanam urges airlines, airport operators, and regulatory authorities to strengthen disability inclusion training, establish robust passenger-support mechanisms, and ensure that no traveller is denied dignity because of a disability. Also, Samarthanam asks people to come forward to stand in support of the discrimination against the blind.
