Y dudalen yma yn Gymraeg
28 July 2008
Today the Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales will join Patrick Duffy, Managing Director of Cardiff international Airport and Andy Klom, Head of the Wales European Office at an event hosted by Cardiff Airport to launch a new deal for disabled travellers. Measures that came into force on July 26th will give up to 15 million disabled people - and those with limited mobility - new rights when travelling through airports in Europe.
The new European regulation on air travel mean airports have to provide services that enable disabled passengers to board, disembark and transit between flights. The rights also apply to people with reduced mobility, such as someone with a broken leg, and give a right to assistance once on the plane.
This is the second stage of measures designed to protect disabled passengers when travelling by air and creating a consistent standard across Europe. Last year it became illegal for airlines, travel agents or tour operators to refuse a booking on the grounds of disability or to refuse to board a disabled person who has a valid ticket and reservation, except for safety reasons.
In practice this will mean that:
- there should be clearly marked and easily reachable area on the airport grounds where disabled people and PRM’s can easily announce their arrival at the airport and be provided with assistance to check in desk and beyond.
- The communication of essential information concerning a flight in accessible formats will now be a legal requirement
- people who require assistance for should not be charged for and registered assistance dogs should also be accommodated free of charge
- all personnel should receive disability equality and disability awareness training so that they can better understand the needs of disabled people
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has a responsibility to promote the new regulation to the public and any person who feels that there has been a breach of the law has the right to complain to us. The Commission will handle and monitor complaints and offer conciliation where appropriate. We can support people to take civil action and could refer the matter to the Civil Aviation Authority who will have the power to prosecute. If guilty an airport operator, airline, travel agent or tour operator could face an unlimited fine.
Kate Bennett, National Director Wales, said:
'This is the biggest ever single shake-up in airport customer service and we believe this new regulation will bring real improvements for disabled people and those with reduced mobility.
It should also be very good for business. Disabled people alone have a spending power of some £80 billion and people who previously daren’t risk flying for fear of problems, can now confidently give it a try.
The Commission has considerable powers to ensure that the air travel industry meets its obligations and we shall be monitoring complaints carefully and using them to improve services.
I am really pleased that Cardiff Airport is now taking a positive approach to making air travel a much better experience for disabled travellers.'
Patrick Duffy, managing director at Cardiff International Airport said,
'This is an extremely important development in air travel as the changes will offer passengers with reduced mobility assurance that their needs will be met. With the new facilities and services unveiled at Cardiff International Airport we’re certain that travelling through the airport will be a much easier experience and will enable passengers with reduced mobility to travel with much greater confidence.'
Ends
Media Enquiries to Sophie Howe on 07980 597367
Notes to editors
1. The Cardiff Airport Launch event takes place at Cardiff Airport on Monday 28th July 2008 12 - 2pm
2. Case studies are available for interview.
3. The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of the Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain, and aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.
4. Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 imposes new legal obligations on airport operators, air carriers, their agents or tour operators. The Regulation means that airports will now be responsible for providing assistance to disabled travellers. This will be standard across all European airports.
5. To reflect the new European Regulation, the Department for Transport has revised its guidance to the UK aviation industry on how to improve access to air travel for disabled people. This guidance, known as the Access to Air Travel Code of Practice, will be published in July to coincide with the Regulation coming into force and can be accessed via the DfT's website at www.dft.gov.uk
6. Full information is available on the Commission's website at www.equalityhumanrights.com/airtravel