The Guardian
Gwyn Topham
19 October 2026
Disabled passengers will have better safeguards when flying, the government has pledged, including protection from damaged wheelchairs and support from trained staff.
A report from an industry-led accessibility group said there was “much more to be done” but progress was being made, a year after a review led by Tanni Grey-Thompson demanded action to improve air travel in response to numerous incidents in which passengers had been left stranded without assistance.
The Department for Transport said airports had added more staff training and a new standardised system has been set up to prepare airlines for handling mobility aids, after more than 1,000 wheelchairs were damaged in transit in 2024, equivalent to more than 80 a month...
