Australian Family Stuck in Japan as Autistic Teen Needs Medical Flight Home

An Australian family in Japan is facing very high costs because 18-year-old Ryan Jamie, who has autism, was judged unfit for regular flights. The case was reported by Australian and British media, including the Daily Mail. The family must now cover a specialised medical flight to bring their son home safely.

Mel and Brad Jamie travelled to Tokyo Disneyland last month with their three children to mark Ryan's 18th birthday. The young man has autism, global developmental delay and Jordan's syndrome. He had previously flown to five different countries without trouble, but in Japan he unexpectedly developed a strong fear of flying.

Refusal to board

Ryan refused to board a domestic flight. According to his mother, the family could not get him onto the plane because he had a meltdown. Two more attempts were made the same day, but his behaviour worsened. The airline All Nippon Airways required medical clearance, and Ryan failed the medical assessment. The family was stuck in Japan for two weeks.

Costs and support

A CareFlight aircraft was quoted at a minimum of US$296,000. With sedation, intubation and other medical expenses, the total bill could reach US$500,000. The family had travel insurance, but the unusual nature of the situation left them uncertain about coverage. The parents said they might have to remortgage their home.

The two other children returned to Australia with their grandmother, while the parents stayed in Tokyo with Ryan. A GoFundMe campaign has ended after raising more than US$200,000. A spokesperson for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that officials are providing consular assistance.