Governments, industry and civil society are coming together to set key priorities to improve global access to air travel for people with disabilities.
During a joint symposium held by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International (ACI) and IATA, participants presented input to ICAO to develop a comprehensive aviation access strategy.
The symposium included personal experiences shared by passengers with disabilities.The results of the symposium will be presented to delegates in 42, according to ICAOth ICAO Assembly in 2025
ICAO says that while current regulations aim to address accessibility in individual jurisdictions, a coherent, international framework is needed to make significant progress.An estimated 16% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability it will increase as the world’s population ages.
“Airlines, airports and regulators want to ensure safe, reliable and dignified travel for every passenger. But it’s no secret that accessibility poses challenges for a significant number of our passengers with disabilities,” said Willie WalshDirector General of IATA.
“The symposium strengthened the consensus to create a global accessibility strategy for States to discuss at next year’s ICAO Assembly. Linking different approaches to a practical global outcome that delivers travelers without frustration is the goal,” he said.