An investigation has been launched following the death of the passenger, who is understood to have disembarked an easyJet flight unaided despite requiring special assistance, according to reports in The Guardian.

Angus Drummond, chief executive and founder of Limitless Travel, described the incident as “commonplace” and said it was “not surprising”.
 
“Does it take a death for airports to start taking action and for people to really wake up to the needs of disabled people? For too long now airports have been cutting costs and giving special assistance contracts out to the cheapest bidder – often alongside the cleaning contracts.”

A Gatwick airport spokesperson reportedly said the incident occurred as staff helped to disembark three other passengers with restricted mobility.
 
Drummond said the event showed special assistance teams were “understaffed and underpaid”.
 
“With increased shortages at airports it will once again be disabled people who are left last, are an afterthought for all and have to suffer most," he said.
 
Drummond added the level of assistance at UK airports fell short of what was available abroad.
 
“In Spain, special assistance is well-staffed and well-paid – and the service is incredible. When will change occur in the UK?,” he said.