Summary UK airports made progress in accessibility, but areas still need improvement, especially in staff training and equipment. Some airports excelled in accessibility, like Glasgow and Southampton, but others, including Bristol and London Gatwick, "need improvement. CAA is driving improvements in airport accessibility, focusing on staffing, equipment, and airline standards to meet rising demand for services.
The accessibility of airports across the United Kingdom has been a focal point for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) since the launch of its Airport Accessibility Framework in 2014. This framework was designed to ensure that passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility receive the support and services they need to travel with dignity and ease . Over the past decade, substantial improvements have been made, with millions of pounds invested in enhancing services and facilities.
However, according to the latest CAA report for the 2023/24 reporting year , there is still more work to do, especially as demand for accessibility services continues to rise. The current landscape The CAA's most recent Airport Accessibility Report provides a comprehensive overview of how UK airports perform regarding accessibility. The report ranks airports based on their ability to accommodate and treat passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities .
It uses a rating system that classifies airports as 'very good,' 'good,' or 'needs improvement.' In the USA, airlines must take care of people with disabilities. For the first time since 2020, no UK airport received a 'poor' rating, a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to make air travel accessible for all.
However, while this is a positive development, the CAA's report also highlights the variability in performance across the country. Of the 28 airports assessed, 11 were rated as 'very good,' 12 as 'good,' and five as 'needs improvement.' Airports leading the way Among the top-performing airports, several have consistently exceeded expectations.
For example, Belfast City and City of Derry airports maintained their 'excellent' ratings, demonstrating their commitment to providing excellent accessibility services year after year. Other airports that received 'excellent' ratings include Cornwall, Newquay, East Midlands, Glasgow Prestwick, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Newcastle, and Teesside. Glasgow Airport, in particular, deserves special mention for maintaining its 'excellent' status, reflecting its ongoing dedication to enhancing the passenger experience for those with disabilities.
Emirates has long been the industry’s trendsetter. One standout in this year's report is Southampton Airport, which improved its rating from the previous year, moving from 'good' to 'very good.' This improvement is largely attributed to the airport's increased focus on tailoring its assistance services to better meet passengers' needs, an approach that could serve as a model for other airports aiming to enhance their accessibility offerings.
Excellent airports: Cornwall Newquay East Midlands, Glasgow Prestwick Leeds Bradford, London Stansted Newcastle Teesside Areas needing improvement While many airports have made significant strides, the CAA's report also underscores the need for continued focus on improvement, particularly in those airports that received a 'needs improvement' rating. Bristol, London Gatwick, Cardiff, Wales, Liverpool, and Norwich airports fell short of the standards expected in the CAA's framework. These airports' challenges vary, but common issues include insufficient staffing for accessibility services, outdated equipment, and a lack of comprehensive staff training.
With the increasing demand for accessibility services, these airports will need to prioritize investments in these areas to ensure they can meet the needs of all passengers. Improvement needed: Bristol London Gatwick Cardiff Wales Liverpool Norwich The growing demand for accessibility The CAA's report highlights a significant increase in demand for accessibility services at airports across the UK. This rise is likely driven by a combination of factors, including an aging population, an increase in the number of people with disabilities traveling, and greater awareness and expectations regarding the availability of accessibility services.
Have you ever needed to request travel accomodation in any UK airport? Let us know in the comments! However, this growing demand has also led to a noticeable decline in passenger satisfaction with accessibility services at some airports. Passengers have reported longer wait times for assistance, a lack of consistency in the quality of service, and difficulties navigating airport facilities. These issues underscore the need for airports to maintain and continually improve their accessibility services to keep pace with growing demand.
The path ahead The CAA is committed to working alongside airports to improve the air travel experience for passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities. The regulator has introduced several initiatives to drive further improvements in airport accessibility. These include encouraging airports to increase staffing levels and investing in new equipment, particularly during the less busy winter months when there is more capacity for staff training and process improvements.
The airline is also introducing an accessible forward lavatory alongside economy and first class versions of the adaptable seat. In addition to the airport-specific framework, the CAA has launched a new accessibility framework for airlines. This framework provides detailed guidance on the standards that airlines must meet to ensure their services are accessible to all passengers.
The introduction of this framework marks a significant step forward in the CAA's efforts to make the entire air travel experience – from booking a flight to arriving at the destination – accessible to everyone. The CAA has also ensured greater transparency and accountability in the industry. This year, for the first time, the report includes a deep-dive accessibility assessment of select airports.
London Heathrow, London Stansted, and London Luton were subject to this more detailed evaluation. This practice will continue in future years and is expected to provide valuable insights into each airport's specific challenges and successes. Accessible travel, a step towards equality The latest CAA report on airport accessibility in the UK shows that while significant progress has been made, a lot of work still needs to be done.
The fact that no airport received a 'poor' rating is a positive sign, but the variability in performance across the country highlights the need for continued focus on improvement. As the demand for accessibility services continues to grow, it is imperative that all UK airports – particularly those that currently 'need improvement' – step up their efforts to ensure that air travel is accessible for all passengers, regardless of their mobility or disability status. The path forward will require ongoing collaboration between the CAA, airports, airlines, and the wider aviation industry.
By working together, they can build on the progress made and ensure that the UK continues to lead the way in making air travel accessible for everyone..
