Aviation industry pushes for global standards in accessible air travel.

The global aviation sector is intensifying efforts to enhance accessibility for passengers with disabilities, a demographic estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to include over 1.3 billion people worldwide. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlights that disability inclusion is now a structural requirement for the future of air travel, moving beyond optional considerations. Despite a 2019 IATA resolution affirming dignified air transport for all, national regulations remain fragmented, leading to service gaps and operational inconsistencies across international jurisdictions.

Key challenges persist across several areas. Passengers with invisible disabilities, such as autism or dementia, often face overwhelming experiences in busy terminals due to a lack of early communication and consistent staff awareness. Mobility aids, particularly wheelchairs, are frequently damaged due to their size, weight, and lithium-ion battery restrictions, compounded by manual handling and cargo hold limitations. Communication breakdowns also occur when passengers are unaware of available assistance or when special-service codes are inconsistently applied by staff. Additionally, the lack of a unified global definition for service dogs creates confusion and disputes, with industry groups advocating for a clear distinction from emotional support animals.

To address these issues, IATA, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI), hosted an Accessibility Symposium in Montreal in December 2024. This event aimed to foster global coordination and establish a long-term strategy for shared responsibility. IATA has also strengthened guidelines for mobility aid handling, promoting better information exchange, enhanced loading procedures, and electronic tagging. The organization stresses the importance of early assistance declarations at booking and ensuring accessibility information is easily found on airline homepages. While calls for free extra seats for disabled passengers or companions have gained traction, airlines caution that such measures could threaten route viability given narrow profit margins. IATA remains committed to refining policies and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure safe, reliable, and dignified travel for all, aligning passenger needs with operational realities.