Virgin Australia Reviews Incident Leaving Disability Advocate 'Humiliated'

Virgin Australia is reviewing an incident that left disability advocate Shane Hryhorec feeling "humiliated" after he was removed from a flight due to a dispute over storing his wheelchair's portable electric motor.

Hryhorec, who has C5 incomplete quadriplegia, was on a Sydney to Adelaide flight when the issue arose. Despite having successfully flown with the motor on three previous Virgin Australia flights that week (with the motor stored in overhead lockers), cabin staff on this flight insisted it be kept by his feet. The allocated row had insufficient space, and after exploring alternatives (including relocating, which was not possible due to his service dog’s fixed position), Hryhorec was asked to leave the plane.

The incident was documented on social media, showing the exchange and Hryhorec’s eventual removal, announced over the plane’s PA system, apologizing for the delay caused by a "passenger getting off-loaded". Hryhorec described the experience as "extremely embarrassing" and has filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Virgin Australia acknowledged the incident, stating its commitment to accessible travel and announcing a review to improve handling of similar situations in the future. The airline is examining how to better identify and accommodate specific passenger needs in advance.