Air

The framework for regulation of accessibility on air services is set at the EU level and includes a range of protections in respect of information and assistance for disabled people both at airports and on aircraft.

Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 specifically concerns the rights of disabled people and people with reduced mobility when travelling on commercial passenger air services (scheduled or non-scheduled).

It makes provision as to initial and ongoing disability awareness training; passenger assistance at the airport (such as help to embark) and once on board (for example carrying assistance dogs) provided notice is given; the setting of quality standards by larger airlines; complaints handlings mechanisms of airlines and airports; and compensation arrangements for mobility equipment.

In the UK, this Regulation is implemented by the Civil Aviation (Access to Air Travel for Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility) Regulations 2014, which designates the Civil Aviation Authority as the enforcement body and specifies further details of procedure to be followed when claiming compensation under the Regulation.

A code of practice on these regulations is set down by the Department for Transport and enforcement is undertaken by the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK, which handles individual complaints in certain circumstances.