Ryanair apologized to an autistic boy who was forced by its staff to take the COVID-19 test despite not being medically exempt. Reuters
Ryanair required that a boy pass the COVID-19 exam before flying, despite an exemption note. His mother reported this to BBC.
Callum Hollingsworth (12 years old), who is autistic, was terrified of the test, according to his mother.
Ryanair stated that it regretted hearing about the stress caused by the incident.
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Ryanair apologized to a 12-year old boy with autism who was required to take the COVID-19 test prior to boarding a flight. This was despite a letter from his doctor exempting him.
Ryanair, an Irish-owned airline, required Callum Hollingsworth to take the test. He returned home from Spain on August 3rd, according to Katy Hollingsworth.
Hollingsworth explained to the BBC that Callum's doctor exempted him from taking a COVID-19 exam after a "horrible" attempt to get him tested in January. This letter was presented by the family at the airport. However, staff insist that Callum undergo a test.
All UK citizens who arrive in England to visit the Hollingsworths must show proof that they have had a negative COVID-19 screening within the last three days. Official guidance states that people who are able to present a note from a doctor at check-in exempting them from the requirement to pass a test do not have to submit to one.
Hollingsworth explained to the BBC that Callum, who has autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD), was "petrified" about taking the test. He "started hitting on the chair and then started hitting his head."
Ryanair emailed Insider to say that it "apologizes" for the inconvenience caused to Ms Hollingsworth's family and "regrets" to have been subject to the stress.
Ryanair stated that it "fully complies" with EU and Govt travel restrictions. These restrictions are continuously changing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement stated that "We continue making improvements and implementing procedures to ensure the safety and health of our passengers and crew is prioritized while adhering to each country's guidelines at all times."
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Hollingsworth said her son had a meltdown and thought it was his fault. Hollingsworth also stated that Callum was physically restrained by her husband and two other staff members to force him to take the test.
Callum's father recorded a video of the incident and shared it with BBC. It shows Callum crying while airport staff encourage him get tested.
Hollingsworth stated to the BBC that the fact that he didn’t need the new one made it worse. He had been told that the first one would be his only test.
Hollingsworth said that Callum passed a test before he flew to Spain for vacation.
According to Spain's website, the government requires that all arrivals from "risk" countries, which include the UK, present a recent negative COVID-19 result or proof of having been fully vaccinated. These requirements are not applicable to children under 12 years of age, according to the UK government's travel advice.
Passengers who claim they were forced to follow certain COVID-19 requirements despite their medical conditions have criticised and challenged some airlines.
A frequent flyer from Washington DC sued seven US airlines in June. He claimed that they discriminated against passengers who couldn't wear masks because of medical reasons.
He claimed that he was stuck in Florida due to generalized anxiety disorder, which prevents him from flying without a mask.
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