The Airports and Accessible Travel guide, unveiled during the Airports Service Quality (ASQ) Forum at the ACI Customer Experience Global Summit, represents a significant step forward in making air travel accessible for all. Developed by ACI World in collaboration with accessibility advocacy groups, training partners, airport members, and experts, this guide offers a comprehensive resource for airports to implement best practices for accessibility.
Building upon the earlier ‘Airports and Persons with Disabilities Handbook,’ this new guide is packed with practical recommendations, case studies, and strategies for creating barrier-free designs and implementing accessible procedures and services. The guide focuses on serving both passengers with visible and non-visible disabilities, recognizing the diverse needs of the global traveler.
ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci highlighted the crucial importance of accessible travel, noting, “Approximately 1.3 billion people, or one in six globally, experience some form of disability (WHO). 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.”
The release of the guide is timely, as it coincides with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Council’s Year of Facilitation, which emphasizes the need for improved accessibility in airports worldwide. This global initiative underscores the critical role airports play in making air travel more inclusive for passengers with disabilities.
Beyond the guide, ACI World has launched the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) program to further support airports in improving their accessibility services. The AEA program allows airports to measure, evaluate, and enhance their accessibility management through expert advice and peer learning experiences. It is the only international assessment and accreditation dedicated to improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
Over 50 airports have joined the AEA program, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating a more inclusive air travel experience. The second anniversary of the AEA program was celebrated with the presentation of certificates during the ASQ Forum, highlighting the progress airports are making towards building a more accessible aviation sector.
The Airports and Accessible Travel: A Practical Guide, along with the AEA program, marks a significant step forward in creating a global air transport system that prioritizes accessibility. ACI World’s commitment to accessibility ensures that all passengers, regardless of ability, can enjoy a safe, seamless, and positive travel experience.
