A Safe Journey for Disabled Air Passengers

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is an umbrella organization that has been fighting for the last decade to secure the rights of disabled air passengers within the European Union (EU). Representing 10% of the EU’s population (at 50 million), disabled air passengers are often subjected to humiliation, discrimination, and denial of rights when it comes to travel through European Airports. Despite the increased competition among carriers and the opening of new markets to serve passengers, travel services for the disabled in the EU have not kept pace. Disabled air passengers have often experienced low quality service and discriminatory practices (e.g., denied boarding, charges for assistance, inaccessible premises, flight quotas for the disabled). The author discusses these in detail. EDF lobbying activities are also discussed, beginning with the initial 2002 consultation paper addressing the EU on strengthening the rights of disabled air passengers. The new Regulation (adopted in July 2006) resulting from these lobbying efforts, along with its implications for the European air transport industry, are considered.

Language

  • English

Media Info

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01052281
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jul 2 2007 7:32AM