Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he has plans to introduce requirements for airlines to provide seats on flights suitable for people with disabilities.

Accessible air travel is a key priority for Government, as highlighted in the recent Flightpath to the Future strategy, which reaffirms Government’s commitment to rebuilding consumer confidence. Government also announced, as part of Flightpath to the Future, that it will publish an Aviation Passenger Charter to ensure passengers are aware of their rights and responsibilities when travelling by air, including information on accessibility.

We recently consulted on a variety of consumer rights issues, including what reforms we could consider to encourage more support for passengers with accessibility needs when travelling by air, and ensuring adequate compensation for damaged or lost wheelchairs on domestic UK flights. We are currently conducting a comprehensive review and analysis of responses and will set out next steps in due course.

The Inclusive Transport Strategy includes commitments to help improve accessibility in aviation and Government is working with consumer groups and disability representatives, to further understand the barriers faced by disabled passengers and those with reduced mobility, particularly in relation to the information available on accessibility in aviation.

Airlines are legally required to provide assistance to passengers according to their individual needs, free of charge. This includes the allocation of a suitable seat, subject to safety and availability.