Bid to boost airline accessibility

IMPROVING conditions for disabled airline passengers is a key focus of a proposed new charter for airlines and airports.

It includes commitments to raise wheelchair storage standards, ensure better training for staff and boost awareness of rights.

The charter is one of the proposals outlined by aviation minister Liz Sugg from the government’s upcoming aviation strategy consultation.

In July, the Civil Aviation Authority warned the treatment of disabled passengers by four of the UK’s seven busiest airports is unacceptable. Manchester received a ‘poor’ accessibility rating, London Gatwick, London Stansted and Birmingham were told they ‘need improvement’. Some passengers on incoming flights at Manchester were left waiting on planes for more than an hour before assistance arrived, the research found.

Ms Sugg said: “Our fantastic aviation industry connects passengers to destinations across the world with some of the best fares available. But we are determined to work with industry to continue to drive up service levels and the new passenger charter aims to improve the experience of all passengers when they fly.”