Air Travel: report exposes multiple barriers for passengers with disabilities
Banner image - Air Transport Rights Delayed report by European Disability Forum
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Nearly 7 in 10 people with disabilities consider that they are discriminated against when flying. These are the stark findings of the 9th Human Rights Report from the European Disability Forum (EDF): “Rights Delayed: Air Travel for Passengers with Disabilities”.
The report highlights how the European Union’s laws on passenger rights, and their inconsistent application, provide limited protection for persons with disabilities.
A testimony from a passenger with disabilities sums it up:
"I never know if I will lose money or will actually be able to fly."
Even when EU laws require airlines to provide assistance and support, the vague wording leads to very different implementation. This has real consequences: passengers can be left behind when returning home or have assistive devices such as wheelchairs refused at the gate.
The report shows the confusing restrictions people face when travelling:
- Restrictions for the size and weight of wheelchairs, and number of wheelchair users in a flight. Even when using the same airplane model, restrictions vary per airline. For example, if someone flies in an Airbus 321 with SAS, the wheelchair cannot weigh more than 149 kg. With Finnair, it’s 300 kgs.
- Some airlines do not provide cabin wheelchairs, which allow persons using wheelchairs to go to the lavatory during the flight. The lack of cabin wheelchair leads to some people having to crawl to the toilet. Luxair, Tarom and Vueling do not provide this option.
- Assistance dogs: some airlines do not accept national certification schemes, relying on international documents that are impossible to get in some countries. This is notably the case of Brussels Airlines, Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
Some airlines also potentially breach EU law. While there is still a long journey to take for equal travel for everyone, the report identifies a clear path.
EDF calls on the European Union to strengthen passenger rights laws:
- Clearly prohibit denial of boarding on the grounds of disability.
- Fully pay for repairs and replacement if assistive devices (wheelchairs, mobility scooters, ventilators, etc) are damaged or destroyed during travel.
- Uphold the right for persons with disabilities to travel without ‘needing approval’ (no prenotification requirements).
- Ensure the mutual recognition of assistance dogs throughout the EU.
- Establish minimum accessibility rules to travel with assistive equipment and assistance throughout airlines and aircrafts.
EDF also calls on airlines to take responsibility and ensure the same travel conditions for all their customers. They must notably fully reimburse broken and destroyed assistive devices, allow travel with assistance dogs and buy accessible planes.
Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum, said:
"This report shows the sad reality: freedom of movement is still a mirage for persons with disabilities. It is time for governments and airlines to take responsibility and guarantee the same conditions of travel for all of us!"
Gunta Anca, EDF Vice-President and a wheelchair-user who frequently flies, said:
"As a long-time user of an electric wheelchair, I have been denied boarding and had issues with broken wheelchairs more times than I can count. I urge the European Union and airlines to take this report for what it can be: not a list of complaints, but a roadmap to equal travel."
Download the EDF Report from the ENAT Library
133 pages. Published 26/11/2025.
