New European Union laws brought in to protect the rights of disabled travellers are to come under scrutiny by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The CAA is starting a two month consultation to investigate whether the rights of disabled travellers are being well enough protected by the law. Travel agents, airlines and airport operators are be asked to contribute evidence on the CAA’s website.
The results of the investigation will go towards the European Commission’s review of the regulation, which is due to be delivered to the European Parliament in January 2010.
CAA director of economic regulation Harry Bush said: “Over 15 million flights are taken by disabled people and people with reduced mobility in the UK every year. The CAA wants to ensure EU rules for protecting such vulnerable passengers are working efficiently.”
The regulation came into force in July 2008 and imposes legal obligations on airport operators, air carriers, their agents or tour operators to cater for disabled passengers.
Read about wheelchair-bound holidaymaker John Roberts’ trip around the world at travelweekly.co.uk/travelchallenge