Air Travelers with Disabilities Gain Protections in U.K.

U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority gets teeth to enforce EU protections for passengers with disabilities.

Beginning on Monday, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the aviation regulatory agency in the U.K., gained the legal authority to enforce EU regulations that provide rights for air travelers with disabilities and reduced mobility. The CAA chose Wednesday, the United Nation’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to outline its enforcement plans.

Iain Osborne, the CAA Director of Regulatory Policy, said the UN day of observance was a natural date to unveil the new enforcement efforts:

“The UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities recognizes there is a continuing need to break down barriers, provide open access to all and create a fully inclusive society. As the U.K.’s national aviation regulator we ensure the rights of air passengers who have a disability or reduced mobility are adhered to.”

European Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 requires airlines and airports to provide special assistance at no charge for air passengers with a disability and people with reduced mobility (PRM) when traveling. The CAA now has new legal powers to enforce EU regulations regarding travelers with disabilities.

Additionally, the CAA has ordered airports in the U.K. to publish online ten points of information about the facilities’ accessibility. Airlines flying to the U.K. will now be required to publish twelve points of information about accessibility for passengers. Airlines operating flights to destinations within the EU are also subject to the new requirements.

Osborne expects the new requirements to make an immediate impact, stating, “This increased level of clarity will enable passengers to better plan their trip, or allow them to choose between different airlines or airports depending on the level of assistance available.”

In a statement announcing its new authority, the CAA said the hope is that there will be little need to use their new legal powers. “The ultimate sanction for any business which persistently fails to comply with European law is an Enforcement Order, which could result in prosecution, for those which fail to comply. However, the CAA expects the majority of problems will be resolved without court action,” says Osborne.

[Photo: iStock]