SINGAPORE'S Changi Airport is recognised as one of the best in the world. However, an incident which took place last Wednesday has left me wondering how world-class it really is.
My China Airlines flight from Taipei landed at Changi Airport at about 8.45pm. A fellow traveller, who had been feeling unwell, was unable to breathe or walk properly. Trying to get help in case she passed out, I went to look for a wheelchair.
I went up to the officer on duty at the customer service counter at the arrival hall (before the immigration check) and asked for a wheelchair. There was one behind her, all locked up.
This was her reply: 'The aircraft should arrange for the wheelchair for her since she is a passenger from there. It is not our responsibility... You have to return the wheelchair to me here at this counter...You have to give me all your particulars before we issue you the wheelchair.'
She eventually provided me one - after taking down my particulars. And she got someone to accompany me to take it back after use.
Is a customer service officer not supposed to render assistance to passengers who need it? Why such apathy?
Later, while we were queueing to clear Customs - there was a long line - we were not given any assistance in terms of priority, nor asked if the sick passenger needed an ambulance.
Do the airport staff have any sense of empathy towards a passenger who is unable to walk, has breathing problems and may pass out or even die on the spot?
I used to be proud of our airport but, after this incident, not any more.
