Shane Hryhorec, a disabled passenger who uses a wheelchair, described being "kicked off" a Virgin Australia flight from Adelaide to Sydney on Monday, along with his service dog Whitney, after an argument over his wheelchair's detachable lithium battery. Hryhorec, who has flown over 300 times with the device, stated that he usually stores the battery in the overhead locker. However, new airline rules prohibit lithium batteries from overhead compartments due to fire risk, requiring them to be stowed under the seat.
According to Hryhorec, his assigned center seat did not allow him to place the 6kg battery on the floor without the risk of it injuring his service dog in turbulence. He explained that the cabin crew's insistence on the new rule, coupled with his inability to safely accommodate the battery, led to a 30-minute delay and his eventual removal from the plane in front of approximately 200 passengers. Hryhorec, who was paralyzed in a 2007 swimming accident, captured part of the interaction on video, which has since been viewed by over two million people.
In the video, Hryhorec can be heard telling staff that he has flown recently and questions the new restriction's application. A cabin crew member responds, "I don't believe that." When Hryhorec emphasizes his concern for his service dog's safety, a customer service manager suggests he move to a smaller seat. Hryhorec stated he did not choose his seat and only wanted to ensure his service animal had adequate space and safety.
After being escorted off the aircraft, Hryhorec lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission, alleging that Virgin Australia failed to accommodate passengers with disabilities. He told media outlets that he felt "upset, defeated and so angry" and that the cabin crew made no effort to resolve the issue. He also claimed that staff asked him to delete the footage of the incident.
Virgin Australia stated that it is reviewing the incident to understand how to better identify and accommodate specific seating or stowage requirements in advance and how its teams can support guests in similar circumstances. A spokesperson noted the airline's commitment to providing an accessible and inclusive travel experience, adding that they have reached out to Hryhorec. However, Hryhorec described the airline's response as "lip service," emphasizing that he has yet to receive an apology and urging the airline to improve its treatment of passengers with disabilities.
Virgin Australia eventually rebooked Hryhorec on a later flight, which included lounge access. The incident has drawn significant attention online, with many expressing support for Hryhorec and criticizing the airline's handling of the situation.