No UK airport has been ranked as ‘poor’ for its accessibility services provided to disabled passengers for the second year running.
A report from the aviation regulator shows that 15 airports have been classified as ‘very good’, with a further 13 classified as ‘good’.
Three unnamed airports have been listed as requiring improvements.
However, this is due to the robustness of how the data was provided to the Civil Aviation Authority rather than due to direct concerns over assistance services, according to the regulator.
The fifth annual review of accessibility at UK airports, reports 4 million passengers requesting assistance at the 31 airports covered, up from 3.7 million the previous year
Manchester airport has improved from a ‘poor’ rating in 2018 to ‘good’ this year.
The airport previously agreed to undertakings with the CAA which has led to significant improvements without the need for enforcement action.
The report covers the 12 months to March 31, mostly the period prior to aviation being significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The CAA said: “We are also pleased to note that initial monitoring throughout the current year suggests that the positive trend in access provision is continuing, despite the current global challenges and reduced flying schedules faced by the aviation industry.
“We will work with the industry and passenger representatives during next year to help understand and address any specific challenges that arise as the recovery from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic develops.”
CAA director Paul Smith added: “We want all passengers to feel confident with the flying experience. As the industry looks to recover from the coronavirus pandemic and consumers plan their travel for 2021, we hope that passengers with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities feel confident about the services they will receive.
“It is great to see the level of progress made by UK airports over the last five years, but there are still areas that need further improvement as our ambition as a regulator is for the UK’s airports to be the best in the world for accessibility.”
Bristol airport chief executive Dave Lees said: “We are delighted to have gained the rating of ‘very good’ in the CAA’s disability access report.
“It is vitally important everyone who travels through Bristol airport feels confident, and extra help and assistance is available when needed.”