Study: Air Travel Accessibility in the European Union

Forwarded by Sandra Rhodda of Access Tourism New Zealand:

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) gave its verdict on how well airports had implemented new European Union laws - introduced in 2008 - that make it the responsibility of airports to provide assistance to disabled travellers and passengers with reduced mobility.

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The CAA has urged travel companies to improve the provision and accessibility of information, and to make it easier for disabled passengers to pre-book assistance.

The number of routes available for passengers travelling with assistance dogs should also be increased, according to the report, while better signage and information at airports is also required. It also called for greater awareness among airport staff of the range of impairments covered by the legislation.

"This review is a further step in ensuring that disabled people and people with reduced mobility receive equal treatment while travelling by air," said Andrew Haines, the chief executive of the CAA.