Government pledges better safeguards for disabled air passengers
New measures aim to protect mobility aids and improve assistance following passenger dissatisfaction.
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New government measures will provide disabled air passengers with improved protections, focusing on the safe handling of mobility aids and the provision of adequate assistance. These changes follow concerns raised by disabled travellers who have experienced damaged wheelchairs and insufficient support during their journeys.
In 2024, more than 1,000 wheelchairs sustained damage while being transported by air. This figure, averaging over 80 damaged mobility aids per month, has prompted the Department for Transport to work with airports on enhanced staff training and a standardised system for airlines to manage mobility equipment. Despite these efforts, an industry body reports that almost one in five disabled passengers remain dissatisfied with their air travel experience.
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Enhanced Compensation and Regulatory Powers
The government intends to remove the current maximum payout for compensation related to lost or damaged wheelchairs. Furthermore, the aviation regulator is to be granted new authority to impose fines on airlines and airports that fail to provide necessary assistance to passengers. These proposed enhancements are expected to be included in the forthcoming civil aviation bill, which aims to strengthen passenger rights and protections.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated the objective of these reforms: "People must be able to fly with dignity and peace of mind. For disabled passengers this means not worrying about their wheelchair coming back in one piece, or whether staff will be there to support them around the airport." She added that the government has supported industry initiatives to improve staff training, prevent damage to mobility aids, and simplify information sharing for passengers before flights.
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The co-chairs of the aviation accessibility implementation group acknowledged that while progress has been made since a review led by Tanni Grey-Thompson, further action is required. They indicated a focus on embedding necessary changes to ensure disabled individuals can travel with confidence. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, noted that the number of passengers requiring assistance has increased by nearly 10% year on year, while also highlighting that 82% of such passengers report satisfaction with their air travel experience.
Questions this report answers
+What is the government doing to improve air travel for disabled passengers?
The government plans to introduce better safeguards, including protection for mobility aids and improved staff assistance. Compensation limits for damaged wheelchairs will be removed, and the aviation regulator will gain powers to fine airlines and airports for failing to provide necessary support.
+How many wheelchairs were damaged in 2024?
More than 1,000 wheelchairs were damaged in transit during 2024. This averages out to over 80 damaged mobility aids each month, highlighting a significant issue that the new government measures aim to address.
+What is the overall satisfaction level for disabled air passengers?
According to an industry body, almost one in five disabled passengers remain dissatisfied with their air travel experience. However, Airlines UK reports that 82% of passengers requiring assistance are satisfied with the efforts airlines are making.
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.