Paralympic champion Baroness Tenny Gray Thompson will lead a new expert group tasked with improving air travel for disabled passengers.
The government announced the formation of the Aviation Accessibility Task and Fulfillment Group, which will work to make flying accessible for everyone “from booking to baggage claim.”
“For too long, passengers with disabilities have not been able to access the standard assistance and services they need,” said Transport Minister Louise Haigh.
In September, BBC safety reporter Frank Gardner, who uses a wheelchair, had to crawl along the floor of a Polish Airlines LOT aircraft to reach the toilet.
Our reporter, who has been paralyzed since being shot by an al-Qaeda gunman in Saudi Arabia 20 years ago, described his experience as Extremely physically uncomfortable and degrading.
LOT, which flies to and from Heathrow, said it was not its policy to have aisle seats on board, while British Airways, EasyJet and other airlines have them as standard.
Our reporters say it is disgraceful that disabled passengers flying from UK airports still face such discrimination.
Heathrow, which is not a member of the taskforce, said it was “committed to making air travel more accessible” and had commissioned research into the barriers to air travel that it was “pleased to share”.
The company added that it was working with airline partners and advisory groups “to transition services for passengers who need support”.
A spokesman for London Gatwick Airport said it welcomed “any initiative to make flying more convenient”.
They said the airport was “proud of the work we do to improve accessibility,” noting that it was recognized by Airports Council International, the global organization of airport governing bodies.
August, Baroness Grey-Thompson forced to ‘climb off’ train Arrive at London King’s Cross station after waiting in vain for 20 minutes.
LNER later said it was investigating what happened and “sadly learned” that there were “problems” at the station.
The new group, which also includes Sophie Morgan, co-founder of global disability campaign body Flight Rights, will hold its first meeting later this month. Following a nine-month review, it will make recommendations and proposals to the Transport Secretary next year.
“The working group will engage directly with individuals who have first-hand experience of flying with a disability, ensuring the organization can serve as a platform to advocate for disabled passengers and that consumer voices are at the heart of progress,” the Department for Transport said.
It added that the organization “will work with industry and consumers to address the biggest barriers to air travel for passengers with disabilities”.
Issues under consideration may include:
- Being left on a plane without immediate help
- Improper handling of wheelchairs
- No access to toilet facilities
- Limited access to clear information
The group will have industry representatives from Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, BA and travel association ABTA, as well as London Stansted Airport, East Midlands Airport, Manchester Airport and Glasgow Airport.
The Department for Transport said it would “agree on practical and achievable actions in the short and long term that industry, regulators or government can implement”.
Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “I look forward to working with disabled people, industry experts and the Department for Transport to improve the accessibility of flying.”
“It is vital that every passenger’s rights are protected in all aspects of their journey so that they are treated with the respect they deserve while traveling.”
Ms Morgan said: “This is an important milestone in the ongoing fight for the right to fly. Disabled people have suffered when flying for too long and enough is enough.”
She said the organization would “hold airports and airlines accountable”.
“There is no doubt that we need to improve the law, there is no doubt about it,” she told BBC Breakfast. “There are enough horror stories out there.”
She added that she hoped the Civil Aviation Authority would be given more powers to “fine or punish” airlines that fail to provide services for disabled passengers.
She added that with the establishment of the new expert panel, the government was “sending a strong message to the community and the aviation industry that change is on the way”.
Louise Haigh said: “Led by Baroness Grey-Thompson and led by highly effective members such as Sophie Morgan, the team will help break down barriers and deliver lasting and meaningful improvements. To ensure passengers always come first.
Fazilet Hadi, head of policy at Disability Rights UK, said disabled passengers faced being left on planes, having their wheelchairs damaged, having to deal with poor communications and being subjected to low standards of passenger assistance.
She added that the organization’s success would depend on “what action is taken by government and industry”.
