A cohesive global framework is needed. The WHO estimates that over 1.3 billion individuals live with some form of disability, representing approximately 16% of the world's population

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI) will jointly host a symposium on accessibility in international civil aviation from 2 to 3 December 2024 at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal, Canada, bringing together governments, industry representatives and advocacy groups to address the barriers people with disabilities face in air travel. With the theme “Inclusive and universally accessible air transport for people with disabilities and reduced mobility", the event will explore strategies to create a more accessible air transport system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability, representing approximately 16% of the world’s population. Furthermore, as the population ages, the proportion of people with disabilities is expected to increase. Both governments and industry have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving air travel accessibility for passengers with disabilities. While current regulations focus predominantly on addressing concerns across individual jurisdictions, achieving meaningful progress will require shifting attention to creating a cohesive global framework.

"Universally accessible and coordinated air transport can only be achieved through close collaboration along the aviation value chain. ICAO is stepping up cooperation with IATA and ACI on this priority, because it is only by showing governments and operators how to work together as one that we will successfully address the barriers that exist in air transport", said Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO Secretary General. This was echoed by Willie Walsh, IATA Director General: "Airlines want to ensure safe, reliable and dignified travel for every passenger, including those with disabilities. To achieve this, airlines, airports and disability communities must work together. Beyond that, national regulatory frameworks for passengers with disabilities must support optimal service delivery, regardless of where a journey begins or ends. Coordination between all these actors is key to enabling passengers with disabilities to travel safely. We have great expectations that this event will take us towards this goal".

“ACI is committed to helping our member airports create barrier-free environments that offer equal access and exceptional travel experiences for all guests, regardless of their abilities. This symposium will bring together aviation stakeholders from across the ecosystem to engage in meaningful dialogue to identify concrete measures to create a more accessible air transport system", concluded Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World.

Organized in the context of the ICAO Facilitation Year 2024, this new event is expected to result in the creation and exchange of new expertise, significant for improving the air travel experience of persons with disabilities. It will also contribute to the negotiations among the 193 Member States on accessibility, when they meet in 2025 for the 42nd ICAO Assembly.