The European Disability Forum (EDF) has published “EDF Human Rights Report 2025 - Rights Delayed: Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities”, outlining barriers faced by people living with disabilities when travelling by air. There report notes that equal access to transport is essential for persons with disabilities to fully participate in society, including in work, education and leisure, as well as highlighting that the right is protected by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD).
Some of the key findings from the report include:
• Some airlines continue to violate EU rules by limiting assistance, denying assistance dogs, requiring medical forms or charging for support.
• Passengers with disabilities face inconsistent rules e.g. limits on how many can board, unclear limits on equipment, inconsistent demands for accompanying persons etc.
• EU oversight of air passenger rights for persons with disabilities is inconsistent, with few National Enforcement Bodies issuing binding decisions and fines for non-compliance vary considerably.
• Many passengers with disabilities still face digital barriers and complex travel procedures, not all of which are addressed by EU legislation.
The full report can be downloaded from: https://www.edf-feph.org/publications/human-rights-report-air-travel/