Eurolink News

New rules to improve air travel for people with disabilities (24/7/08)

July 24, 2008 at 4:51 pm Leave a comment

A new EU rule due to come into force this Saturday (26th July) will make it obligatory for all European airports and air carriers to offer free assistance to anyone with a disability. People with reduced mobility due to age, sickness or visual impairment will also be entitled to help, from the moment they enter the airport complex to the time they leave the airport at the far side. Certain services like wheelchairs or guide dogs will be provided free of charge, while priority boarding will be guaranteed.
People with Disabilities in Ireland, an umbrella group representing various local and national organisations, has hailed it as ‘a wonderful piece of legislation.’ Spokesperson Hugh Maguire, a member of the advisory board for Dublin Airport, said the law should eliminate hassle and trauma for people with disabilities travelling through airports. ‘For the first time, this enshrines our rights in EU legislation,’ he said. He also explained how the system will work. ‘When you book your seat with an airline, be it online, by letter, or over the phone, let them know if you have a disability and what kind of help you’re going to need. Keep a record of your request. The carrier then contacts the airports in question and they organise the necessary facilities.’
The law also ensures that people cannot be refused bookings or carriage on the grounds of disability, nor can they be charged additional costs for any services provided. Passengers are asked to give at least 48 hours notice if they need extra assistance, although this is not compulsory. It’s understood that the Commission for Aviation Regulation will be appointed as the national enforcement body up to deal with complaints in Ireland, and issue penalties if the rule is not respected.
About one third of the entire population of the EU suffers from reduced mobility. Although some airports already provide extra assistance, this is not always the case, and several cases have been highlighted in the media of passengers with guide dogs being refused access to a plane, or other passengers having to wait hours for a wheelchair to become available before they can leave the aircraft. European Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani says the new rights constitute ‘a major step forward in efforts to create a Europe for all citizens, and will put an end to discrimination to disabled and elderly passengers’.

Entry filed under: Human rights and the EU, Transport and the EU. Tags: .