A family from western Sydney is suing Virgin Australia and the federal government, alleging their disabled twins were denied access to a plane bathroom and later left stranded in Bali. The children, who require wheelchair assistance due to a condition affecting their mobility, balance and endurance, were allegedly discriminated against on a July 2025 flight from Brisbane to Denpasar. The case matters because it raises questions about how airlines accommodate disabled passengers and the duty of care owed to travellers.

The family, who are representing themselves in a Federal Court action launched in February, claim cabin crew publicly refused both children access to the forward lavatory and directed them to walk the length of the cabin unaided, despite Virgin's prior knowledge of their reduced mobility. They say no reasonable adjustments were offered, leaving the twins with lasting psychological distress, heightened anxiety and greater dependency. The suit also names the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which the family accuses of failing to provide adequate assistance after they became stranded in Bali in August 2025.