Stronger legal remedies for disabled air passengers remain before Parliament, even as a new British accessibility update sets out changes to staff training and the handling of wheelchairs.
The Department for Transport published the Aviation Accessibility Implementation Group’s report on October 19. Its account combines measures already introduced with work still being developed, rather than announcing that every proposed protection is now law.
A standard form for wheelchair battery and handling information was introduced in March. The department says training designed with disabled passengers is also helping staff recognise different support needs.
A digital platform is to be trialled so passengers can communicate assistance requirements before travelling. The group is also seeking clearer, better-coordinated information from airports and airlines.
The Civil Aviation Bill would give the regulator stronger enforcement powers, including fines, and remove the compensation cap for damaged or lost wheelchairs and mobility aids on domestic UK flights.
Those are proposed statutory changes. The government says it will consult on further accessibility reforms within 12 months of the bill receiving royal assent.
