Easyjet apologizes to Italy's powerchair football team over denied boarding

Easyjet has apologized after Italy's national powerchair football team was denied access to a flight. The incident, which occurred at a yet-to-be-specified airport, was described as "absurd and unacceptable" by Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. Powerchair football is a sport designed for athletes with physical disabilities, using motorized wheelchairs. The team was reportedly prevented from boarding due to the size of their wheelchairs, sparking outrage among officials and the public. In a statement, Easyjet expressed regret over the handling of the situation. "We apologize to the team for their experience and are reviewing our procedures to ensure such incidents do not happen again," the airline said. The minister called for stricter regulations to protect the rights of disabled travelers. "This is not just about a flight; it's about dignity and respect for people with disabilities," Abodi said. The Italian Paralympic Committee also voiced support for the team, urging airlines to improve accessibility. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with the airline promising to contact the team directly to resolve the matter.