Aviation bodies collaborate on symposium addressing accessibility challenges

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Airports Council International (ACI) are set to jointly host a symposium focusing on accessibility in international civil aviation. This event aims to address various aspects of air travel accessibility, including architectural, technological, and informational barriers.

According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability, which accounts for approximately 16% of the global population. As populations age, this percentage is expected to rise. Both governments and industry players have shown a commitment to enhancing accessible air transport for passengers with disabilities. However, significant progress requires a shift towards a cohesive global framework rather than individual jurisdictional regulations.

Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO’s Secretary General, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “Universally coordinated and accessible air transport can only be achieved through close collaboration along the aviation value chain. ICAO is heightening cooperation with IATA and ACI on this priority because it is only by showing governments and operators how to work together as one that we will successfully tackle existing barriers in air travel.”