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'Air travel needs to be accessible for disabled people'

(16 Feb 2007)

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The government needs do more to improve access to air travel for disabled people, claims an organisation.

According to the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), the government should lift the exemption air operators currently have from the Disability Discrimination Act's provisions for goods and services.

Commenting on a report by the Department for Transport in August 2005, DPTAC chairman Neil Betteridge claimed some flight companies were not complying with the voluntary Air Access Code which had "failed to bring about equal access to air travel for disabled people".

He added: "Some areas of serious failings by flight operators found by this research would be made unlawful if disabled people's rights were to be extended as we propose. It would also send a clear message to the aviation industry that gratuitous discrimination against disabled people is not to be tolerated.

Since December 4th 2006 it has been illegal for transport operators to discriminate against disabled people using buses, trains, taxis and car hire services.

As of yet this legislation has not been passed onto the air and sea travel services.

However, people with disabilities may be soon find Heathrow Airport more accessible.

Earlier this week, the British Airports Authority announced it was to redevelop Terminal 3, as it looks to install lifts and escalators by the end of this year to help provide passengers with easier access to departure areas.

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