Aviation stakeholders and disability advocates set key priorities to enhance global air travel accessibility
Aviation stakeholders and disability advocates have united to set key priorities for enhancing global air travel accessibility at a landmark symposium hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International (ACI), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
The two-day event, which attracted 237 participants from governments, industry, and civil society organizations, provided essential input for ICAO’s forthcoming comprehensive strategy and work program on aviation accessibility.
ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano opened the discussions, emphasizing the importance of the diverse voices present. “The diversity of voices gathered here today – from decision-makers and technical experts to advocacy groups and international organizations – creates opportunities for meaningful change. Your collective expertise will help us identify barriers and build effective solutions.”
The symposium concluded on Tuesday, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, at ICAO Headquarters in Montréal.
“The insights garnered from this symposium will prove invaluable in ensuring our work addresses all needs and exceeds expectations,” said Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO’s Secretary General. “The authentic voices of persons with disabilities have enriched our understanding and strengthened our resolve to effect meaningful change.”
“While current regulations address accessibility within individual jurisdictions, achieving significant progress requires a cohesive framework on an international scale. In this regard, ACI acknowledges ICAO’s pivotal role in uniting stakeholders to develop such frameworks. The discussions that took place at the symposium will help pave the way to building a more inclusive and accessible air transport system,” said Justin Erbacci, ACI World’s Director General. “Our collective commitment to accessibility has never been stronger.”
“Airlines, airports, and regulators all want to provide safe, reliable, and dignified travel to every passenger. However it is no secret that accessibility poses challenges for a significant number of our passengers who have disabilities. The symposium cemented consensus to build a global accessibility strategy for states to consider at next year’s ICAO Assembly. Linking disparate approaches into a practical global outcome that will deliver for travelers without disappointment is the goal. That States have included this among ICAO’s priorities is already a good start,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
The symposium’s timing and scope reflect the growing urgency in addressing aviation accessibility. According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion individuals – approximately 16 percent of the global population – live with some form of disability, a percentage expected to increase as the world’s population ages.
The symposium delivered substantial input for ICAO’s development of a comprehensive accessibility strategy and work program. Personal experiences shared by passengers with disabilities provided crucial insights for policy development.
