Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • CAA opens consultation on airline assistance for people with hidden disabilities

Aerospace

CAA opens consultation on airline assistance for people with hidden disabilities

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is consulting on a new regulatory framework, designed to ensure passengers with hidden disabilities get the assistance they need from airlines.

Above: CAA offices at Gatwick.
Copyright CAA

The new set of proposed guidelines sets out the CAA's view of what EU-registered airlines need to do to comply with the legal regulations, which entitle anyone with a disability, including those with hidden disabilities, to have assistance when travelling by air.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Hidden disabilities include, but are not limited to, dementia, autism, learning disabilities, anxiety issues, mental health impairments and hearing loss.

The CAA's new framework provides guidance on: Information and communication prior to travel; boarding and on-board the aircraft; staff training; and priority following disruption.

In preparing this framework, the CAA has met with a number of leading organisations representing the interests of people with hidden disabilities, including the National Autistic Society, the Alzheimer's Society, Epilepsy Action, Mental Health Working Group, RNIB and Action for Hearing Loss, as well as attending meetings of Prime Minister's Dementia Challenge Air Transport Task and Finish Dementia Group. In addition, we have consulted our colleagues in the CAA's Consumer Panel.

The consultation, aimed at passengers, charities, airlines, airports and other industry and government stakeholders, will run from Tuesday 21 November, for 10 weeks, to 2 February 2018.

Advertisement
ODU RT

To read the consultation and submit feedback go to: https://consultations.caa.co.uk/cmg/guidance-for-airlines-on-assisting-people-with-hid

Last year the CAA launched a similar framework, to improve assistance for passengers with hidden disabilities at airports. It will be reporting on how well UK airports have implemented those guidelines early next year.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Flights increase as summer hots up

Aerospace

Flights increase as summer hots up

18 July 2025

UK air traffic in June increased by 2.5% on the same month last year as NATS, the UK’s major provider of air traffic services, safely handled 237,215 flights, up more than 2,600 on May.

ZeroAvia granted patents for hydrogen-electric engine development

Aerospace

ZeroAvia granted patents for hydrogen-electric engine development

17 July 2025

ZeroAvia today announced it has been awarded nine new patents this year so far, with many critical to the company’s roadmap for scaling hydrogen-electric engines for large regional aircraft.

BBGA co-hosts Isle of Man Aviation Conference

Aerospace

BBGA co-hosts Isle of Man Aviation Conference

17 July 2025

For the first time, the British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA) joined Martyn Fiddler as joint hosts of the 13th Isle of Man Aviation Conference, bringing together 120 business aviation delegates at Douglas’ Villa Marina venue.

Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

Aerospace

Flying to become more accessible for disabled people

16 July 2025

An industry and consumer expert group, tasked by the UK Government to advise on how to make flying more accessible for disabled people, has unveiled its suite of recommendations today.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

Aerospace

Doncasters expands Groton site with new shell line

15 July 2025

Doncasters today announced the successful commissioning of a brand-new, fully automated shell line, at its Groton facility in the US - a major milestone within its 2025 Performance Improvement Plan and a key advancement in the company’s long-term manufacturing strategy.

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

Aerospace

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft to explore hydrogen eVTOL propulsion

15 July 2025

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft today announced plans to work together on developing regional hydrogen-electric VTOL air travel.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025