Gerardo Silano, 82, had flown back to the UK with his wife and son after a holiday in Naples. The inquest heard the family had booked a special assistance wheelchair and buggy to help the elderly couple disembark the easyJet flight last June.
However, the Daily Mail reported that instead of getting onto the buggy with his wife or taking the lift, the grandfather headed towards Gatwick’s Skybridge and its long, steep escalator, where he tumbled.
The inquest was adjourned to a date next year for further evidence. Gatwick said neither staff shortages nor a delay in special assistance contributed to the tragedy.
An airport spokesperson said: “It would not be appropriate to go into detail ahead of the conclusion of the inquest. However, what I can say is special assistance was provided as requested and did not play a role in the sad incident.”
