Disability advocate removed from Virgin flight over wheelchair motor dispute

What it is about

Who published it, and when

How it spread - 3 original reports

1. Tue, 18 August 2026

   1 report
   • ABC News (Australia)03:34first to report
     Disability advocate removed from Virgin flight over wheelchair motor dispute

     Virgin Australia says it is reviewing an incident where a wheelchair user was removed from a flight after his battery-powered motor could not be stored in overhead lockers on board.

2. Wed, 19 August 2026

   1 report
   • The Guardian World08:33
     Virgin Australia apologises to disability advocate removed from flight over wheelchair motor

     Shane Hryhorec’s viral video showing the interaction with flight staff has already garnered 16m views Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Virgin Australia has apologised to a disability advocate who said he was “humiliated” by his removal from a flight over his wheelchair motor. The airline called Shane Hryhorec on Wednesday afternoon to offer an apology, two days after the Adelaide-based man published a viral video showing the incident onboard a flight from Sydney....

3. Thu, 20 August 2026

   1 report
   • Times of India16:29
     Virgin Australia admits wheelchair user's mobility device was wrongly assessed

     Virgin Australia has issued an apology to Shane Hryhorec after he was removed from a flight due to a misunderstanding regarding the safety of his wheelchair's power add-on motor. Despite Hryhorec's explanation that the device easily detaches, airline staff insisted on his removal. This incident unveils the need for improved accessibility training in airlines. In response, Virgin Australia is reassessing staff procedures and offering Hryhorec a full refund.