PANAJI
The ground handling agency appointed at Dabolim International Airport has suspended its staff while the Airport Entry Permit of two Trolley Retrievers were confiscated following a complaint of extortion by a 62-year-old British woman.
A media statement issued by Dabolim Airport Director SVT Dhanamjaya Rao states that they have taken up the matter seriously and condemned the incident.
"The matter has been taken seriously by Airports Authority of India (AAI) Goa and investigated the incident. Upon investigation it has been found that one staff loader of ground handling agency was assisting the PRM passenger and two persons of Trolley Retrieving Agency (agency engaged at the airport for retrieving the used trollies) were found interacting with said passenger against the norms. AAI Goa strongly condemns such unlawful Acts," it said.
The AAI on February 4, 2023 received an email complaint from Mikhil Vasant on behalf of Katherine Frances Wolfie, a 62-year-old with Reduced Mobility travelling from GOI to LGW with TUI Airlines, that two Airport staff, who were providing special assistance extorted Rs 4,000 from her.
Rao said that the ground handling agency suspended the staff who was assisting PRM passenger. Also, the Airport Entry Permit (AEP) of two Trolley Retrievers was confiscated by AAI Goa.
The Director further informed that wheel chair/PRM assistance and trolley retrieval service at Goa International Airport, Dabolim are free of cost. To avert such incidents in future, airlines/ ground handling agencies have been sensitized about Assisting PRM passengers. Also, ‘No Tips Please’ message is being prominently displayed in terminal building for awareness of passengers.
Earlier, during the day, the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities issued notice to the airport director seeking action.
