A new government-backed taskforce aimed at improving air travel for disabled passengers has been announced by the Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh, during a visit to Manchester Airport. The Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group, led by Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, will focus on making flying a safer, more accessible, and dignified experience for all.
The group will bring together industry leaders, disability advocates, and campaigners, including presenter Sophie Morgan, a prominent figure in the fight for disability rights in aviation. Morgan’s recent documentary Fight to Fly highlighted the challenges faced by disabled passengers, from damaged wheelchairs to poor service and inadequate facilities.
The taskforce will spend nine months reviewing key barriers faced by disabled travellers. Among the areas it will address are delayed assistance on aircraft, lack of accessible toilet facilities, and insufficient service standards. The group will also propose practical and achievable solutions that can be implemented by airlines, airports, or the government to improve accessibility.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said:
“Everyone has the right to travel with dignity. For too long, disabled passengers have faced unacceptable challenges when flying. This taskforce will drive meaningful change, ensuring passengers always come first.”
The taskforce includes representatives from major airlines such as Jet2, Virgin Atlantic, Ryanair, and British Airways, as well as airports including Manchester, Stansted, and Glasgow. Travel association ABTA and assistance providers will also contribute.
Baroness Grey-Thompson, an experienced campaigner for accessible transport, emphasised the importance of protecting passengers’ rights at every stage of their journey.
“It is essential that the rights of each passenger are respected so they can travel with the dignity they deserve,” she said.
Sophie Morgan, co-founder of the global disability group Rights on Flights, hailed the initiative as a significant step forward.
“This is an important milestone in the ongoing fight for rights on flights. For too long, disabled people have suffered when flying—enough is enough,” she said.
The taskforce’s launch follows recent efforts by the aviation industry to improve accessibility. Manchester Airport, for example, received a “Good” rating in the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) annual report on airport accessibility. Increased staffing and equipment have reportedly enhanced the passenger experience at the airport.
Ken O’Toole, CEO of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), welcomed the government’s initiative.
“We work hard to ensure that our airports are accessible and safe for every passenger, regardless of their needs. We look forward to contributing positively to this forum,” he said.
Jet2’s Assisted Travel Manager, Steve Wilson, also voiced support for the taskforce.
“We believe meaningful collaboration is key to continual improvement. We look forward to the positive outcomes this group will deliver,” he said.
The taskforce will deliver its recommendations and proposed actions to the government next year.