Wheelchair-Bound Taiwanese Singer Forced to Crawl onto Plane at Shenzhen Airport: Accessibility Issue Sparks Outrage

Taiwanese singer Zheng Zhihua, aged 63 and physically challenged, reportedly had to crawl approximately 25 centimetres to board an aircraft after disembarking from his wheelchair at Shenzhen Airport in China. The singer shared his experience on social media, which was subsequently covered by several Chinese news outlets, including South China Morning Post (SCMP). Following widespread attention to the singer's account online, the airline issued an apology and committed to enhancing facilities for passengers who use wheelchairs.

Zheng, who gained popularity for his musical releases "Sailor" in 1995 and "Star Lighting" in 1992, developed physical disabilities after contracting polio at the age of two, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.

According to Zheng's account, the wheelchair lift halted about 25 centimetres from the aircraft entrance, compelling him to crawl to board the plane. In his social media post on October 25, Zheng criticized the airport personnel for their inhumane treatment of passengers with disabilities.

As the story gained traction across social media platforms, Shenzhen Airport confirmed that the incident occurred during the boarding process for a Shenzhen Airlines flight destined for Taipei.

In their statement, Shenzhen Airport management explained that the gap is mandated by safety protocols to prevent potential damage to the aircraft. They acknowledged the incident and pledged to enhance support for wheelchair-using passengers, including increasing staff assistance.