[aviation news]
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released its annual Airport Accessibility Reportevaluating how well UK airports deliver assistance services to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
As air travel continues to grow, the demand for these services is rising, with 5.5 million passengers requesting support in 2024—about 1.9% of total passengers.
This marks a significant increase from 0.94% in 2010, 1.35% in 2019, and 1.69% in 2023, when 4.6 million passengers sought assistance.
The report highlights strong performances by most airports but identifies three that need improvement.
UK Airports: Growing Focus on Accessibility
Selina Chadha, Group Director for Consumers and Markets at the CAAemphasized the importance of accessibility in aviation. “We want disabled passengers and those with limited mobility to feel confident when traveling through UK airports,” she said.
“Our mission is to protect people and enable aerospace, ensuring the industry makes aviation accessible to all. While most airports performed well, those needing improvement must step up, especially as demand for these services continues to grow.”
The report evaluates 28 UK airports handling over 150,000 passengers annually, covering the period from April 2024 to March 2025.
It uses a standardized framework to assess performance in three key areas: waiting time targets for arriving and departing passengers, user satisfaction surveys, and consultation with disability groups through Access Forums. The results show a mix of achievements and areas for growth.
Top Performers: Airports Rated ‘Very Good’
Eleven UK airports earned a ‘very good’ rating for their assistance services. Belfast City, East Midlands, Newcastle, and Teeside maintained their high standards from previous years.
Meanwhile, Aberdeen, Belfast International, Bournemouth, Exeter, and London Luton improved from ‘good’ to ‘very good.’
Cardiff and London Gatwick made notable progress, moving from ‘needs improvement’ in 2023 to ‘very good’ in 2024, showcasing significant advancements in their accessibility offerings.
Solid Progress: Airports Rated ‘Good’
Fourteen airports received a ‘good’ rating. Bristol, Liverpool, and Norwich stood out, climbing from ‘needs improvement’ in 2023 to ‘good’ this year.
Birmingham, Inverness, London City, and Manchester retained their ‘good’ status. Other airports in this category include City of Derry, Cornwall Newquay, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, London Southend, and Southampton.
These airports demonstrated reliable services but have room to aim for the top tier.
Airports Needing Improvement
Three airports fell into the ‘needs improvement’ category. London Heathrow, despite strong performance at Terminals 2, 4, and 5, struggled with unreliable data on waiting times at Terminal 3, casting doubt on whether standards were met.
Edinburgh faced challenges due to operational issues after switching service providers, though these issues have reportedly been resolved.
Glasgow Prestwick failed to meet consultation standards with disability groups but has committed to establishing an Access Forum to address this gap.
Notably, all airports rated as ‘needs improvement’ in 2023—Bristol, Liverpool, Norwich, Cardiff, and London Gatwick—have improved significantly.
They achieved either ‘good’ or ‘very good’ ratings in 2024. This reflects the industry’s commitment to enhancing accessibility.
The Airport Accessibility Framework
Since launching the Airport Accessibility Framework in 2014, the CAA has set clear standards for supporting passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
The framework has driven millions of pounds in investments, improving facilities and services across UK airports.
It ensures accountability by requiring annual accessibility reports and evaluating airports based on waiting times, user satisfaction, and engagement with disability organizations.
The framework’s impact is evident in the steady rise in service quality. Airports are assessed on their ability to meet waiting time targets, collect accurate data, and involve disabled passengers in shaping services.
This structured approach ensures that accessibility remains a priority as passenger numbers grow.
Looking Ahead
The CAA’s report underscores both progress and challenges in making UK airports accessible to all. With demand for assistance services surging, airports must continue to innovate and invest to meet passenger needs.
The improvements seen in airports like Cardiff and Gatwick show what’s possible with dedication, while the struggles at Heathrow, Edinburgh, and Glasgow Prestwick highlight the importance of consistent standards.
As the aviation industry evolves, the CAA’s framework will remain a vital tool in ensuring every passenger can travel with confidence and dignity.
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