Andy Allen: Disabled UUP politician ‘frustrated’ over airport lift

However Mr Allen said that accessibility for disabled customers must be improved.

Mr Allen explained that the issue was not that he missed his flight but that he did so because he was a wheelchair user.

“In society as a whole there are things that need to be improved for disabled people, to ensure disabled people can play a full part I society and we aren’t prevented from being able to do so,” he told BBC News NI.

“It’s devastating,” he said.

“How many other people have experienced it that haven’t felt they’ve been able to speak, that’s why I felt it was important to call it out,” he added.

He said there was an issue with special assistance at the airport.

“I’m not asking for special treatment, just a level playing field,” he added.

Former UUP leader Dough Beattie said it was “appalling”.

A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said that the airport works “closely with our assisted travel provider, Mitie, to deliver the highest possible customer service to all our passengers.”

“Unfortunately, on this occasion due to technical issues, Mr Allen experienced a delay. We will fully investigate this matter. Mr Allen has been rebooked on a flight for tomorrow and a hotel is being arranged for him and his travel companion for this evening.

“We apologise to Mr Allen for any inconvenience.”