A “significant” improvement in services for disabled and less mobile passengers at UK airports has been reported by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The assessment of 26 of the largest airports found that 18 had consistently achieved a good or very good rating.
Seven airports improved from a poor rating to a good or very good rating in the year to March, according to a new accessibility report.
“These airports struggled to meet performance targets in the first two quarters, but improved to a very good rating by the end of the year,” the aviation regulator said.
“Among those is Manchester airport, which has invested heavily in recruitment and equipment and subsequently delivered significant improvements in the quality of the assistance service at the airport.”
Luton, which was previously highlighted as a lower performing airport in an interim report published in December, also made “significant improvements”, scoring very good in the last quarter.
While Heathrow continues to be rated as needing improvement, the airport demonstrated improvements in the service provided to passengers across all four quarters, according to the report.
This was against a backdrop of a 50% increase in the proportion of passengers using the assistance service since 2019, alongside being the airport with the highest total demand for assistance services.
Heathrow achieved the performance standards needed to be rated as ‘good’ in the April-June period.
The report includes all UK airports that handled more than 150,000 passengers in the last year.
CAA joint-interim chief executive Paul Smith said: “Today’s report shows the dedicated efforts of airports across the UK to ensure that all passengers receive the standard of service they deserve.
“With 18 airports consistently achieving good or very good ratings, and others demonstrating significant improvements, the industry is making strides in returning accessibility levels to those seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s also important to acknowledge that there is still a way to go in providing a consistently good service for disabled and less mobile passengers across the industry, particularly for those with more complex needs, and throughout the busier summer months.
“The UK Civil Aviation Authority remains committed to working with airports, airlines, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups to drive forward further improvements. “