Governments and industry work to improve air travel for persons with disabilities
Proposed new ICAO strategy will contribute to accessibility and dignity of flying for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.
Accessibility Becomes a Growing Priority
- More than 1.3 billion people worldwide live with a disability, representing around one in six people globally.
- Demand for accessible air travel is expected to increase as populations age.
Global Symposium on Accessible Aviation
- ICAO unveiled a proposed new accessibility strategy during the Second Joint ICAO/ACI/IATA Symposium on Accessibility in International Civil Aviation in Montréal.
- The event brought together governments, airlines, airports, civil society groups and international organizations.
Focus on the Entire Travel Journey
Discussions addressed accessibility challenges across all stages of travel, including:
- Booking and check-in
- Security and border processing
- Boarding and connections
- In-flight services and baggage collection
- Disruption management
Support for Visible and Non-Visible Disabilities
Emphasis on improving services for passengers with:
- Reduced mobility
- Neurodiverse conditions
- Cognitive disabilities
- Other non-visible disabilities
- Training and awareness for aviation staff remain key priorities.
Stronger Global Framework
- ICAO's work is guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ICAO Assembly Resolution A42-14.
- The strategy will help shape future international aviation standards and recommended practices.
A Clear Path Forward
The proposed strategy encourages stakeholders to embed accessibility into:
- Aviation policies
- Infrastructure planning
- Operations
- Investment decisions
- ICAO Council approval is expected in January 2027.
Expected Benefits
- More accessible, reliable and seamless travel experiences.
- Greater independence, confidence and dignity for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
- Improved resilience and service quality across the aviation industry.
