‘The skies are open’ for blind and partially sighted people - new aviation laws

The new rules will mean that anyone who has been refused boarding on the grounds of disability or reduced mobility, including visually-impaired people, will be able to complain to the Disability Rights Commission (DRC). The Commission will advise them on their rights and could refer the matter to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which will have power to prosecute. If found guilty, an airline could face an unlimited fine.

Commenting on the new rules Aviation Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick said: "The new measure coming into force later this month is only the first step in ensuring that disabled people and those with reduced mobility have the same access to air travel as others.

"The second stage, which will come into force next year, will bring further significant benefits to disabled travellers. When all these measures are in place, disabled passengers will be assured that they can expect a consistent and seamless level of service from airports and airlines." ( www.gnn.gov.uk )

Tom Pey, Guide Dogs’ Director of Public Policy, commented: "Guide Dogs is delighted with the new EU Regulations on the Rights of Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility when Travelling by Air. While this first stage of its implementation will outlaw gratuitous discrimination, we are also looking forward to the introduction of the requirement that will prevent airlines from refusing to carry guide dogs in the cabin with their owners, which will be implemented in July 2008.

"Blind and partially-sighted people have been flying with their guide dogs on domestic flights for many years but increasingly, like other members of society, they too want to be able to travel on international routes. Thanks to the Pets Passport Scheme, and this new regulation, they will in future be able to do so more easily and with greater confidence. Having a guide dog gives many people the confidence to travel independently and we hope the new regulation will encourage more visually-impaired people to travel by air."

For further information about the EU regulation and its implementation into UK law please contact Public Enquiries on: 020 7944 8300. Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk