Airports Council International (ACI) World has launched a new guide dedicated to improving accessible travel for all passengers
Airports and Accessible Travel: A Practical Guide has been developed by the ACI World Facilitation and Services Standing Committee, together with leading accessibility advocacy groups, ACI World training partners, ACI Regions, ACI airport members and Customer Centric Consulting. It was made possible with the financial support of InterVISTAS Consulting and Amadeus.
Building on the ACI World Airports and Persons with Disabilities Handbook, the expanded guidance provides up-to-date best practices for integrating accessibility into both new and existing airport facilities. It includes practical recommendations, case studies, and strategies for barrier-free design, accessible procedures, and services for passengers with visible and non-visible disabilities, while also focusing on staff training.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said: “Approximately 1.3 billion people, or one in six globally, experience some form of disability. ACI World is dedicated to assisting our member airports in creating barrier-free environments, ensuring equal access and exceptional travel experiences for all airport guests, regardless of ability. We remain committed to advocating for and developing resources, such as the new Airports and Accessible Travel publication, to support our members in providing a more inclusive and accessible air transport system.”
To further support its global members, ACI has also developed the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) programme, which provides a continuous improvement path for airports interested in improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities. The programme helps airports measure, evaluate, and enhance their accessibility management and culture through tailored advice from subject matter experts and learning experiences with peers. It remains the only international assessment and accreditation programme dedicated to airport accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
