The Nationalist Party on Wednesday said that government must remove the discrimination against persons with disabilities over KM Malta Airlines’ ‘discriminatory’ wheelchair requirements.

The PN expressed its disappointment at the news that the new national airline KM Malta Airlines will be imposing a requirement for wheelchair users to fill in and submit a €15 medical form when booking a flight.

“These passengers will have to fill out a form and pay €15 each time they use their wheelchair. A person with a disability should have the same rights as any other citizen, in every aspect of life, including that of free travel,” PN MPs Graziella Galea and Mario de Marco said.

The PN described the national airline’s actions as discriminatory against these individuals and also violates regulations on passenger rights.

The PN quoted a right established by the European Union, which indicates that "To ensure that persons with disabilities and reduced mobility are provided opportunities for air travel under comparable conditions to those of other citizens, assistance should be provided that meets their particular needs at airports and also on board the aircraft, through the necessary personnel and equipment. In the interest of social inclusion, the individuals concerned should receive this assistance without additional charge,” it said.

The PN said that the national airline should withdraw these procedures and new charges imposed on people who need assistance, while continuing to offer this service without the inconvenience of forms and unnecessary fees from vulnerable individuals.

“The Government must ensure that this national entity addresses what the Nationalist Party is saying and what the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is also saying, that these new measures are discriminatory, while providing all necessary assistance without charge,” the PN said.

It was referring to comments made by CRPD Commissioner Rhoda Garland, who described the requirements as discriminatory, and the situation as “appalling.”

“The Nationalist Party in government grants rights to persons with disabilities and sees to it that everyone's voice is a priority, while considering that the rights established by law should be the minimum that society should do when someone is in need of help,” the PN said.