EDF’s report on air travel reveals multiple barriers for passengers with disabilities

The European Disability Forum’s (EDF) 9^th Human Rights Report: “Rights Delayed: Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities” explores the practical barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from travelling by plane and examines the impact of applicable EU legislation. 

Equal access to transport is essential for persons with disabilities to fully participate in society, including in work, education and leisure. This right is protected by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by the EU and all its Member States.

Despite Regulation 1107/2006, which aims to improve access to air travel, passengers with disabilities still face significant barriers and discrimination. In fact, 67% of respondents, 97% of whom were persons with disabilities, say air travel is still not equally accessible to them.

According to the report, some airlines deny assistance dogs onboard, still require medical forms, charge for support or have restrictions for the size and weight of wheelchairs that are confusing. Others fail to provide cabin wheelchair preventing wheelchairs users to go to the bathroom during the flight,

Additionally, many passengers with disabilities still face digital barriers and unregulated challenges such as inaccessible websites, complex travel procedures, airplane accessibility, and high costs. 

Read EDF’s report.