DISABLED ACCESS TO IMPROVE AT AIRPORTS

The Government is determined to improve access for disabled passengers. It’s going to insist to the airline industry that it must improve the flying experience for disabled passengers.

The government’s plan is called the Aviation Strategy Next Steps and is set out in a discussion document.

The BBC’s Frank Gardiner

This new course of action comes after the BBC’s Frank Gardiner, who uses a wheelchair, attacked an “epic fail” by Heathrow after he was left alone  on an aircraft for more than an hour.

Passengers with reduced mobility are almost half as likely to have flown in the past year as other passengers, with 40% saying accessibility was a factor. Ministers will consider proposals for better facilities, wheelchairs to be prioritised in baggage and an accessibility training scheme for staff.