The rules that will give the disabled and the elderly access to air transport comparable to that enjoyed by all other passengers flying to or from, or passing in transit though, airports in the European Union, with no discrimination and at no additional cost.

The European Commission believes that the application of these measures will provide an effective response to the needs of a large and – with Europe’s demographic ageing – growing section of the population.

About a third of the EU's population suffer from reduced mobility. These are mainly disabled persons and the elderly, while others are unable to walk the long distances often required in modern airports. For some years, many airports and airlines have genuinely been trying to help. However, comprehensive assistance, free of charge, is not provided everywhere or by all airlines. This reality constitutes a major obstacle to access to air transport for persons with reduced mobility.

Free assistance in all EU airports and Assitance on board

From next 26th July all European airports will have to provide a specific set of services for persons with reduced mobility from the moment they enter the airport to the boarding gate, at both the airport of departure and the airport of arrival. The assistance must be adapted to the mobility of the person benefiting from it. These passengers will be able to use airport infrastructure in the same way as any other passenger. When boarding starts, they will enjoy priority boarding, under the best of conditions and with the necessary equipment.

All flights from EU airports and from airports in a third country to an EU airport, if the air carrier is European airlines will be obliged to provide certain services, such as carrying wheelchairs and guide dogs, free of charge. These rules will also enter into force the day after tomorrow.