People with Reduced Mobility Benefit from new EU rules granting better Access to Air Transport
New EU rules to grant people with reduced mobility improved access to air transport came into force on Saturday 26th of July 2008. These rules form part of a 2006 Regulation. The Regulation includes three measures - (i) equal treatment of persons with reduced mobility; (ii) free assistance in all EU airports and (iii) assistance on board. The first of these measures came into force a year ago.
According to Antonia Tajani, European Transport commissioner, "The phasing-in of these rules will put an end to discrimination and give disabled and elderly passengers the help they need when travelling. These new rights constitute a major step forward in efforts to create a Europe for all citizens".
As a result of the two further provisions, all European airports will now have to provide services for persons with reduced mobility from the moment they enter the airport, whether they are departing or arriving. This assistance must be adapted according to the mobility of the person benefiting from it and will ensure that passengers are able to use airport infrastructure in the same way as any other passenger. When boarding starts, they will enjoy priority boarding.
On-board assistance, which is applicable on flights from EU airports and from airports in a non-EU airport, if the carrier is European, will include certain services, such as carrying wheelchairs and guide dogs free of charge.
EU Member States will establish bodies to enforce these new rules and most Member States have already sent the Commission a list of the names and addresses of their enforcement bodies. The Commission for Aviation Regulation has been appointed as the National Enforcement Body for this Regulation in Ireland. Persons with reduced mobility who consider that their rights have not been respected can bring the matter to the attention of the management of the airport or airline in question. If they are not satisfied they can bring the matter to the attention of the national enforcement body.
For further information on Regulation (EC) No. 1107/2006 which concerns the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air, contact the Commission for Aviation Regulation:
Commission for Aviation Regulation
3rd Floor, Alexandra House
Earlsfort Terrace
IE-DUBLIN 2
Tel.: +353 (0) 1 661 1700
Fax: +353 (0) 1 661 1269
Email: info@aviationreg.ie
Website: http://www.aviationreg.ie
You may also contact our Access and Education Officer on lean@guidedogs.ie
