Disabled passenger says he had to be helped off a plane by an 'embarrassed' pilot after airport staff failed to show up for 30 minutes

A disabled passenger said he had to be helped off a plane by an embarrassed pilot after airport staff failed to show up.

After a holiday in Almera, Spain, David Judd and his wife arrived in Manchester on June 18. They weren't sure what airline they were flying with.

Judd waited for up to 30 minutes until he realized that he had been forgotten about by the airport's special assistance staff.

There were no stewardesses left when the pilot arrived. Judd told the Manchester Evening News that he radioed to say there was a man still here.

The pilot was the one who helped Judd with the chair because there was no one else to help him.

The pilot pushed me in a wheelchair and he was the one that flew the plane. He told Manchester Evening News that he wondered how wrong it was.

You could see the embarrassment on his face. You could definitely see it.

Judd, who lost his lower left leg in an accident, booked for special assistance at Manchester Airport before his flight. It's not clear if he told the airline about needing special assistance.

The passenger's experience at the airport was disappointing, according to a Manchester Airport spokesman.

We will continue to work closely with all involved to make sure passengers receive the best service possible and to understand how a repeat of this case will be avoided.

When passengers experience anything short of these standards, we always aim to deliver that service with efficiency, respect, and care and regret.

We are working with our teams, clients, and partners to reduce the impact on passengers as we navigate this phase of the recovery.

'As insignificant as anyone could possibly feel'

Judd told the Manchester Evening News that the experience left him feeling insignificant, and that he is now looking for legal help.

He said it made him feel insignificant. I have been angry for the last five weeks. I can't be angry because this wasn't my fault and it makes you feel like it's your fault.

disabled passengers have been left vulnerable as airports across Europe and the US struggle with heightened demand and staff shortages

A disabled passenger told Jyoti Mann that she had to wait an hour for assistance while staff cleaned the plane around her.

A couple who arrived at London's Gatwick Airport last month said they had to wait for their wheelchairs for 100 minutes.