IAA publishes airport accessibility reports
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) for the first time has published its findings for Irish airports’ compliance with the rights of persons with reduced mobility and disabilities when travelling by air. The IAA investigates complaints, conducts inspections and has continuous oversight of Irish airports. The IAA’s findings for 2023 are detailed for each of the six international commercial airports operating in Ireland.
The IAA today also launched its passenger rights campaign for passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities.
For 2023, the IAA issued thirteen findings across the six airports. Ten of these findings have been addressed by the airports and corrective action plans have been put in place for the remaining findings.
Key findings and corrective actions for airports:
- Improved wayfinding signage required in the airports to aid passengers in accessing PRM services and facilities.
- Some airports’ ‘Quality Standards’, which detail the level of PRM services required at airports, were found to be out of date.
- Car park call points, which enable passengers to request assistance, required maintenance to ensure all call points are in working order.
- Ensure that disability awareness training is comprehensive and to a high standard.
- Requirement to construct and staff an assistance podium at a transitional gate at Dublin Airport.
Clare Mulcahy Head of Consumer Affairs at the Irish Aviation Authority commented on the reports:
“Generally, airports are compliant, but more can and should be done. Ensuring that airports and airlines are accessible and provide assistance to travellers is a key component in the IAA’s consumer protection work for passengers with assistance needs. The IAA continue to work with the aviation industry and stakeholders to improve accessibility and reduce barriers to travel for all.
The Airport Accessibility Reports highlight the work that IAA undertakes in monitoring airports with their obligations in assistance to passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility. The annual publication is a key component to hold the industry accountable and the IAA’s obligation to work with stakeholders.”
The IAA monitors the airports to ensure that assistance is provided to passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities. The assistance is free of charge to the passenger and should be provided in a manner which ensures people with disabilities and reduced mobility can travel, hassle-free.
The IAA has published the six reports (one for each airport) for 2023 with analysis of the airport’s obligations. The IAA found areas for improvement in each of the airports and continues to engage with the airports to ensure the rights of persons of reduced mobility and disabilities are upheld in air travel.
The reports are available in PDF format here.
IAA launches passenger rights campaign:
The IAA has launched a ‘Know Your Rights’ campaign to educate passengers on their rights under EU law for persons with disabilities and reduced mobility when travelling by air. The campaign focuses on access to assistance for these groups of passengers and urges all passengers to request assistance (should you need it) at least 48 hours in advance to be guaranteed assistance. The assistance can help people navigate the airports whether on foot, using their mobility aid, or if they’re travelling with their assistance dog. Further information about passengers’ rights and entitlements is available on the IAA’s website at www.iaa.ie/assistance.
IAA role
The IAA is designated as the National Enforcement Body for Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 and conducts inspections of airports to determine their compliance with the Regulation. This Regulation obliges tour operators, airlines and airports to provide high-quality and practical help to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility, so that they have the same travel opportunities as other citizens. The IAA has jurisdiction over Irish commercial airports, Irish registered airlines, and Irish licensed tour operators.