Passenger Removed From Flight Over Wheelchair Battery Sparks Debate

A Virgin Australia passenger, Shane Hryhorec, was removed from a flight before takeoff due to issues with the battery pack for his wheelchair. Hryhorec, a disability advocate who uses a wheelchair following a 2007 accident, stated that he was assigned a seat that did not accommodate his SmartDrive battery, a device that powers his manual wheelchair.

According to Hryhorec, flight attendants identified that the battery could not be safely stowed under his seat or in front of him, as required. He asserted that the airline staff should have resolved the issue, especially since the seat was allocated by the airline. Hryhorec reported that he had successfully flown with the device multiple times in the preceding week, leading to his confusion and frustration.

Following an inability to reach a solution, Hryhorec and his service dog were deplaned. He subsequently posted a video on Instagram detailing the incident, expressing anger and shock, and stating that such experiences contribute to anxiety about flying for individuals with disabilities. He argued that in 2026, disabled passengers should not face significant challenges boarding flights.

Hryhorec explained that he typically occupies a middle seat due to the space his service dog, Whitney, requires in the window seat. The situation led to a captain's announcement apologizing for the inconvenience to other passengers.

The incident drew varied reactions online. Some commenters questioned Hryhorec's response, suggesting he could have placed the battery on an adjacent seat or used a bag to secure it. Others contended that he should have booked a preferred seat if specific requirements were necessary.

Virgin Australia stated that it is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive travel experience. The airline confirmed it is reviewing the circumstances to identify potential improvements in how seating and stowage requirements are identified and managed for passengers in similar situations. The company emphasized that the safety of guests and crew remains its highest priority.