EU Airports Welcome Elderly, Disabled

New rules enforced by the European Union now provide for trouble-free air transport services for the disabled and elderly in EU airports. Starting July 26, elderly and disabled passengers will gain access to the same air transport services afforded other passengers flying to or from as well as passing in transit through airports in the European Union, at no extra cost. The new rules are intended to put a stop to discrimination and provide the disabled and elderly passengers the assistance they need when traveling, says Antonio Tajani, the European Commission Vice President responsible for transport.

Under the new rules, EU airports are required to provide persons with reduced mobility a specific set of services upon their arrival and departure, such as priority boarding under the best conditions and with the necessary equipment. European carriers are also obliged to provide certain services such as wheelchairs and guide dogs. EU member states have been required to set up enforcement bodies that will be responsible for ensuring the regulation’s application in their respective territory. Passengers that require assistance should indicate their request and their particular requirements to their travel agency or air carrier prior to traveling.

Two articles in the 2006 EU regulation that took effect in 2007 had prohibited airlines and tour operators from refusing to carry passengers or to take bookings based on the passenger’s reduced mobility due to disability or age. The new rule benefits the increasing number of individuals in EU states that suffer from reduced mobility.

The enforcement of the new EU rules will also benefit many leisure travelers from Asia, comprise mainly of elderly couples and groups that travel to different member countries of the European Union such as Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. Europe is often the top choice of elderly travelers from Asia Pacific owing to the region’s rich culture and history as well as shopping possibilities.

Source: China View at www.chinaview.cn