The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group (AATFG) has put accessibility “at the heart of aviation” by detailing 19 recommendations aimed at making air travel more inclusive for disabled passengers.
Created in November 2024 and led by Baroness Tanni Grey‑Thompson, AATFG’s Aviation Accessibility Report’s key recommendations include:
- Mandatory disability awareness training: All aviation staff – including crew, ground services, security, assistance providers, and hospitality teams – should receive training co-designed with disabled individuals.
- Improved passenger information: Clear guidance on requesting assistance, locating in‑airport services, and mobility aid handling is now a top priority.
- Enhanced complaint channels and oversight: Easy-to-understand complaint procedures are recommended, alongside strengthened CAA oversight via annual airport assessments.
Around 5.5 million passengers requested assistance at a UK airport in 2024, according to data from the Civil Aviation Authority, which makes up around 1.9% of all passengers. This number is 40% greater than just before the pandemic and double that of numbers in 2010.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Everyone should be able to travel with dignity and be respected at every stage of their journeys, including disabled passengers. That’s why we established this group in November last year and I welcome this report’s findings, which will clear the runway for greater accessibility in aviation.
“I know industry is working hard to make services more inclusive for all and I look forward to seeing these proposals becoming a reality with the support of the group. Now is the time for action and to make a real difference so that people can travel with confidence.”
Anthony Jennings, Disability Rights Advocate and Accessible Transport Advisor, said: “Disabled people’s representation with their lived experience and accessible transport expertise, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, was fundamental to delivering inclusive recommendations in the group’s accessibility report.
“Implementation of the recommendations – including improved staff training and mobility aid handling, clear passenger rights and complaints procedures and a review of the CAA’s airport performance framework – will improve the real-world inclusive experience for disabled passengers and give them more confidence to fly.
Steve Wilson, Accessible Travel Manager at Jet2.com, commented: “It goes without saying that travel should of course be accessible to everyone, so we welcome the AATFG report and acknowledge the excellent work undertaken by the group.
“We invest heavily in making sure that we deliver an industry-leading standard of service for every single customer that travels with us, including anyone requiring assisted travel. We are proud of the work we have done, and continue to do, to make our flights and holidays accessible for all.
“As a member of the AATFG, our work in this area continues to be an absolute priority.”
