Air travel accessibility for passengers with disabilities has improved as demand for special assistance continues to grow, according to recent survey data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
According to IATA’s 2023 Global Passenger Survey, 80 per cent of travellers using special assistance services at the airport said that their expectations were met.
"In 2019, the IATA Annual General Meeting adopted a resolution reflecting our members’ commitment to ensure that every traveller has access to safe, reliable and dignified travel. While we all have more work to do to support the needs of our passengers with disabilities, we believe this survey result demonstrates progress towards that commitment,” said IATA deputy director general and corporate secretary, Conrad Clifford.
The survey also revealed that “more travellers than ever” are requesting assistance and IATA expects this trend to continue in line with aging populations in many key air transport markets.
“As demand for special assistance grows, we will need to find more tailored ways to meet the needs of travellers with special needs,” said Linda Ristagno, assistant director for external affairs at IATA.
“At present, a special assistance request is almost always met with wheelchair services. But the actual requirement of the traveller may be very different... We are working on ways to ensure that wheelchairs are available when needed as well as the right options for the diversity of traveller needs,” she added.
Additionally, the survey highlighted the booking experience as an area of improvement, with 20 per cent of respondents noting improved website accessibility for booking and reservations should be a priority.
“Clear information is crucial for anybody who wishes to travel. This is particularly relevant for persons with disabilities who require assistance and must carefully prepare their travel arrangements,” Ristagno added.
BTN Europe examined accessibility in business travel in a recent People and Planet report, which includes a dedicated feature on neurodiverse travellers and those with hidden needs.