Introduction
The purpose of this document is to improve the accessibility of air travel to people with reduced mobility by ensuring that their needs are understood and provided for, and that their safety and dignity are respected. It forms the basis on which a voluntary Code (or Codes) of Practice may be prepared by airports. When preparing Codes, the appropriate provisions of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Document 30 (Section 5), and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO Annex 9) will be incorporated.
Definition of a Person with Reduced Mobility (PRM)
A person with reduced mobility (PRM) is understood to mean any person whose mobility is reduced due to any physical disability (sensory or locomotory), an intellectual impairment, age, or any other cause of disability when using transport, and whose situation needs special attention or adaptation of services ordinarily made available to all passengers.
Basic assumptions
- PRMs have the same rights as other citizens to freedom of movement and freedom of choice. This applies to air travel as to all other areas in life.
- Airports and related service providers have a responsibility to meet the needs of PRMs. PRMs also have a responsibility to identify their needs to the proper channels at the proper time.
- Information, using accessible formats, must be made available to enable PRMs to plan and make their journey.
- Disability should not be equated with illness and therefore PRMs must not be required to make medical declarations about their disability as a condition of travel.
- Organisations representing PRMs will be consulted on all issues relevant to PRMs.
- Staff will be given appropriate training in understanding and meeting the needs of PRMs.
- Control and security checks will be undertaken in a manner which respects the dignity of PRMs.
- PRMs must be enabled to remain independent to the greatest possible extent.
- The cost of providing for the needs of PRMs must not be passed directly to PRMs.
Provision of Infrastructure
Each airport will ensure that its infrastructure is compatible with the needs of people with reduced mobility and that this part of the service is provided in an efficient manner.
This will include :
- Access to landside and airside ground transport ;
- Parking, pick-up, drop-off and transfer arrangements ;
- Information provided both audibly and visually.
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