The visually impaired passenger was earlier booked on EK 565 for the travel.
Following a report that appeared in Deccan Herald on February 15 about the Airlines staff refusing the to help visually challenged person, the Airlines said that as per the Emirates Passenger Service Manual, at the time of booking, passengers are required to mention if any assistance is to be provided on account of a disability ensuring the safety and well-being of the passenger.
The Emirates clarified that no previous intimation about a special passenger on board was given.
The airlines also claimed that all possible options to assist the passenger too was explored, as they enquired amongst the passengers bound for Johannesburg for a volunteer who could sit beside the visually impaired passenger and take the responsibility to assist him through the journey.
However, unable to find anyone, the airlines had no choice but to re-book the passenger on the next flight departing the same day from Bangalore and in doing so, the Emirates provided all necessary assistance to ensure the passenger was comfortable, as the staff explained the situation to him.
On departure from Bangalore, the passenger was provided assistance and escorted by the ground staff on Johannesburg Airport, said the letter.