The Cambodian Disability Action Council is conducting an investigation to determine whether the charge is to be seen as discriminatory under Cambodian equality law. DAC Director, Makara Chan Em, stated: "There are obligations to make things accessible to people with disabilities."
In September, Sudanese wheelchair user Rahma El Siddig Gasm Elbari Mustafa was due to fly from Siem Reap airport Phnom Penh, but, upon checking in, was told she would have to pay US$240 for the Ambulift service required to board her flight – a service that is usually free.
In response, Rahma's friends offered to help carry her on to the aircraft, but the airline's dispatcher refused for security reasons. With no alternative, Rahma paid the hefty fee to board. Bassaka Air blames the airport for asking for payment for providing Ambulift service.
"CAMS' policy at Siem Reap airport is to not charge airlines for ambulift service," said Norinda Khek, spokesperson for the Cambodia Airport Management Service. "Bassaka Air and CAMS will reinforce information at Siem Reap airport on the non-charge policy for the use of Ambulift for passengers with reduced mobility."
In its conditions for carriage, Bassaka Air requires people with a disability to pre-notify of their needs at the time of booking. In the fine print, however, Bassaka Air says: "Subject to any applicable laws, we may, at our discretion, levy a charge for the provision of these services [for disabled passengers]." However, this rule does not apply to passengers with a disability travelling to or from the US or to or from Europe.
