A groundbreaking initiative, led by Paralympic champion and crossbench peer Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, aims to overhaul air travel accessibility for disabled passengers.
Announced at Manchester Airport by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh, the new Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group unites airlines, airports, and advocates in a shared mission: making air travel a seamless, safe, and inclusive experience for all.
Breaking Down Barriers to Accessible Travel
Despite advancements, disabled passengers continue to face obstacles when flying. With complaints ranging from damaged wheelchairs to inadequate support, the sector has seen gaps in meeting the needs of disabled travelers.
This taskforce, chaired by Baroness Grey-Thompson, will work over the next nine months to address these barriers, focusing on practical, achievable improvements to enhance the travel experience for disabled passengers.
The group brings together a host of industry players, including representatives from Virgin Atlantic, Jet2, Ryanair, and several major airports like Manchester and London Stansted.
Additionally, influential disability advocate and television presenter Sophie Morgan, known for her recent documentary Fight to Fly, will lend her insights to the initiative.
Taskforce Aims and Objectives
Baroness Grey-Thompson has outlined a set of ambitious objectives for the group, aimed at tackling issues that directly impact disabled passengers’ travel experience and dignity. These areas of focus include:
- Improving the assistance process for disabled passengers boarding and disembarking
- Reducing incidents of damaged or mishandled mobility equipment
- Ensuring timely assistance across all parts of the travel journey
- Providing clearer, accessible information to passengers in advance
The group’s collaborative approach promises to make real, lasting changes.
According to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh,
“Everyone has the right to travel with dignity, and it is vital we ensure that flying is an accessible, safe, and enjoyable experience for all.”
Sector Commitment to Inclusive Air Travel
Industry and Advocacy Voices
The inclusion of Sophie Morgan signals a renewed push for inclusivity within the aviation sector.
As founder of Rights on Flights, Morgan has been a vocal campaigner for improved accessibility, noting,
“For far too long, disabled people have suffered when flying, and enough is enough.”
With Morgan’s influence and the taskforce’s backing, the UK government aims to show the disabled community that tangible change is underway.
Ken O’Toole, CEO of Manchester Airports Group, expressed support, stating,
“Across MAG, we work hard to ensure that our airports are accessible and safe for every passenger, regardless of their needs.”
Current Accessibility Ratings of UK Airports
Airport |
Civil Aviation Authority Rating |
|---|---|
| Manchester Airport | Good |
| London Stansted | Very Good |
| East Midlands Airport | Good |
| Glasgow Airport | Excellent |
Charting a Course for Progress
The group’s first meeting is scheduled for later this month, where members will begin strategizing both short- and long-term actions.
Consumer advocates and industry experts unite on the taskforce to drive adoptable changes across UK airlines, airports and government.
As Baroness Grey-Thompson remarked,
“It is essential that the rights of each passenger are protected at every aspect of their journey, so they can travel with the respect they deserve.”
The UK government promotes accessibility, creating a welcoming experience for all airline passengers, setting a global benchmark.
Sources: THX News, Department for Transport & The Rt Hon Louise Haigh MP.
