Barriers Faced by Air Travelers with Disabilities Despite Regulations Highlighted by Breda University Study
As summer travel approaches, millions of Europeans with disabilities continue to encounter challenges in air travel, a recent study from Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) has revealed. Despite efforts to improve accessibility in compliance with European regulations, almost one in four adults in the EU—approximately 90 million people—still face significant barriers while traveling. This investigation lays bare the obstacles that persist along the entire journey from booking to baggage collection for air passengers with various physical and mental disabilities.
The research, published in the "Research in Transportation Business & Management" journal, highlights the experiences of individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs, those with visual or auditory impairments, and those with invisible conditions such as autism or anxiety. The researchers aimed to understand the current state of air travel accessibility and find ways to better support these travelers.
A growing concern is the impending increase in air travel passengers over the next decade. The risk that a substantial portion of the population might be marginalized is particularly alarming. To combat this issue, BUas is collaborating with partner universities across Europe on the INCLAVI (Inclusive Aviation) project, which is funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ program. This initiative strives to develop training and knowledge necessary for making air travel more inclusive.
The study introduces two critical concepts: the cumulative effect of obstacles and standardized flexibility. While physical barriers are still prominent, researchers emphasize a more pervasive issue—how small, overlooked details during the travel process accumulate to create significant stress and frustration for passengers with disabilities. For example, a forgotten detail during booking, lack of proper communication from staff during check-in, or damage to a wheelchair in transit may seem isolated incidents, but together they contribute to a daunting experience that can erode travelers’ dignity and trust in the aviation system.
"There are numerous regulations and standards in place, yet difficulties still arise," states Simone Moretti, a senior researcher within the BUas program focused on the societal impacts of tourism. She notes that while the airline industry may have good intentions, adhering to regulations is not sufficient to ensure a consistent, high-quality service. "It’s crucial to truly understand the experiences of these passengers."
In response to the findings, researchers are calling on the airline sector to actively involve passengers with physical or mental disabilities in the design of new services and infrastructures. They argue that meaningful co-creation with these customers is essential for instilling systemic change. The aviation sector doesn’t need to choose between uniform safety standards and individual adaptability; improvements can be made across all airports while still catering to each passenger’s unique needs. To facilitate this process, BUas and its partners have developed a free training program aimed at aviation professionals.
BUas, known for its international approach to higher education, offers diverse study programs in leisure, tourism, and hospitality. As the study brings attention to the ongoing barriers faced by disabled travelers, it emphasizes the need for a concerted effort to ensure air travel is equitable and accessible for all individuals, regardless of their physical condition. Ensuring that all passengers can experience the joys of travel without undue hardship is not just an ideal but a necessary pursuit that merits immediate attention from the aviation industry and society at large.
The research, published in the "Research in Transportation Business & Management" journal, highlights the experiences of individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs, those with visual or auditory impairments, and those with invisible conditions such as autism or anxiety. The researchers aimed to understand the current state of air travel accessibility and find ways to better support these travelers.
A growing concern is the impending increase in air travel passengers over the next decade. The risk that a substantial portion of the population might be marginalized is particularly alarming. To combat this issue, BUas is collaborating with partner universities across Europe on the INCLAVI (Inclusive Aviation) project, which is funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ program. This initiative strives to develop training and knowledge necessary for making air travel more inclusive.
The study introduces two critical concepts: the cumulative effect of obstacles and standardized flexibility. While physical barriers are still prominent, researchers emphasize a more pervasive issue—how small, overlooked details during the travel process accumulate to create significant stress and frustration for passengers with disabilities. For example, a forgotten detail during booking, lack of proper communication from staff during check-in, or damage to a wheelchair in transit may seem isolated incidents, but together they contribute to a daunting experience that can erode travelers’ dignity and trust in the aviation system.
"There are numerous regulations and standards in place, yet difficulties still arise," states Simone Moretti, a senior researcher within the BUas program focused on the societal impacts of tourism. She notes that while the airline industry may have good intentions, adhering to regulations is not sufficient to ensure a consistent, high-quality service. "It’s crucial to truly understand the experiences of these passengers."
In response to the findings, researchers are calling on the airline sector to actively involve passengers with physical or mental disabilities in the design of new services and infrastructures. They argue that meaningful co-creation with these customers is essential for instilling systemic change. The aviation sector doesn’t need to choose between uniform safety standards and individual adaptability; improvements can be made across all airports while still catering to each passenger’s unique needs. To facilitate this process, BUas and its partners have developed a free training program aimed at aviation professionals.
BUas, known for its international approach to higher education, offers diverse study programs in leisure, tourism, and hospitality. As the study brings attention to the ongoing barriers faced by disabled travelers, it emphasizes the need for a concerted effort to ensure air travel is equitable and accessible for all individuals, regardless of their physical condition. Ensuring that all passengers can experience the joys of travel without undue hardship is not just an ideal but a necessary pursuit that merits immediate attention from the aviation industry and society at large.
Topics Travel）
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