On 26 July 2007 new rules enter into force to offer disabled and elderly people access to air transport which is comparable to that of any other passengers flying from airports in the European Union.
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Around 10 per cent of the EU’s population is affected by reduced mobility these are mainly disabled and elderly people, while others are unable to walk long distances as often required in modern airports.
While most airlines and airports make genuine efforts to offer the necessary assistance, not all of them provide comprehensive assistance, free of charge.
These problems are addressed by Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 5 July 2006, which provides for persons with reduced mobility to travel by plane without difficulty. The Regulations provisions cover three areas; those covering the first area are entering into force tomorrow.
- Equal treatment of persons affected by reduced mobility.
For flights from airports in the EU, the Regulation prohibits the refusal by airlines and tour operators to carry passengers, or to take bookings, on the basis of reduced mobility. Exceptions can be made only for duly justified safety reasons. This should put an end to (generally unintended) instances of discrimination.
- Free assistance in all EU airports.
As from 26 July 2008, airports will have to provide a specific set of services for persons with reduced mobility.
- Assistance on board.
On flights from EU airports, airlines will be obliged to provide certain services, such as the carrying of wheelchairs or guide dogs, free of charge. These rules will also enter into force on 26 July 2008.
The EU’s Member States, for their part, have to set up enforcement bodies responsible for ensuring that the Regulation is applied on their territory. Some Member States (see list of enforcement bodies) have already given the Commission the details of the body responsible, while others Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland and Romania have indicated that they intend to designate their enforcement bodies shortly.
Any person affected by a disability or by reduced mobility who considers that these rights have not been respected can bring the matter to the attention of the management of the airport or the airline in question. In case of an unsatisfactory response, a complaint can be made to the national enforcement body designated by the Member State.
- concerning the rights of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility when travelling by air
- Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL (16/02/2005)
- – COM(2005)047
