UK to strengthen protections for disabled airline travellers and mobility aids

The UK government pledged tighter safeguards for disabled air passengers, promising better staff support and protection for mobility equipment. Heidi Alexander highlighted recent improvements such as enhanced training for airport staff and a new uniform protocol for airlines to manage wheelchairs, after more than 1,000 were damaged in 2024. The upcoming civil aviation bill will eliminate the existing compensation ceiling for lost or damaged wheelchairs and empower the aviation regulator to impose fines on non-compliant carriers and airports.

The aviation accessibility implementation group, which monitors progress on the 19 recommendations from Tanni Grey-Thompson’s review, acknowledged progress but warned further work is needed. Airlines UK chief Tim Alderslade noted a near-10% rise in assistance requests, while an industry body reported that almost one-fifth of disabled travellers remain dissatisfied. The reforms aim to give disabled passengers greater confidence and consumer rights when flying.