TWO disabled people in Shenzhen have taken legal action against Shenzhen Airlines for discrimination after they were prevented from boarding a flight from Beijing to Shenzhen last December.
Zheng Weining, a disabled entrepreneur, is claiming 12.28 million yuan (US$1.86 million) in damages and a public apology from the airline company. Zheng employs at least 1,000 disabled people in Shenzhen. He and his companion Liu Haijun were prevented from boarding a plane at the end of December after a business trip to Beijing.
The airline said the reason was that Liu could not walk and could be a liability in an emergency. Liu is demanding compensation of 8,300 yuan.
Zheng and Liu were finally allowed to board the aircraft but only after signing a disclaimer absolving Shenzhen Airlines of any responsibility in an emergency.
Bao an District People s Court has agreed to hear the claims.
(Han Ximin)
