The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group, announced by the Government, has said it will work to make flying accessible for all "from booking to baggage claim".
The taskforce will include presenter Sophie Morgan, co-founder of global disability group Rights on Flights and campaigner for improved aviation accessibility. Sophie Morgan’s advocacy has led the push for more inclusivity within the aviation industry and played a pivotal part in raising awareness of the challenges Disabled air passengers face. Sophie’s recent documentary ‘Fight to Fly’ highlighted the unacceptable treatment Disabled passengers can often face when flying.
The Department for Transport announced that"the taskforce will engage directly with individuals who have first-hand experience of flying with a disability, ensuring the group can act as a platform to advocate for Disabled passengers and that consumer voices are at the heart of progress."
The group "will run in partnership between industry and consumers and look at tackling the biggest barriers to air travel for Disabled passengers", it added.
Issues under consideration may include:
- Being left onboard aircraft without timely assistance
- Poorly handled wheelchairs
- Inadequate service
- Lack of access to toilet facilities
- Limited access to clear information
Fazilet Hadi, DR UK's Head of Policy said: “For far too long Disabled airline passengers have experience unequal and discriminatory treatment. We have been left on planes, had our wheelchairs damaged, faced inaccessible communications and been subjected to poor standards of passenger assistance.
It is positive that this task and finish group has been launched with Disabled people and industry representatives. However, the challenges we face are well known and the success of the group will depend on what action Government and industry take.”