Improved rights and access for disabled passengers across Europe - Lynne

3.15.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 12th Oct 2005

The European Parliament's Transport committee yesterday adopted a report on disabled passenger's rights to access air transport. The report strengthens the rights of passengers who have reduced mobility.

Liz Lynne MEP, who is the Vice-President of the European Parliament All Party Disability Intergroup, said in Brussels,

"Passengers should not be discriminated against at any point during their journey. When they arrive at the airport, as they are checking in and when they get off the flight, easy access and assistance should be made available to them.

"As Europe expands freedom of movement for its people, disabled people must not be left behind. It is important that all the citizens of Europe are able to move easily for education, career and pleasure - and that means easy access to European air flights.

"I hope the Transport committee continues to work with disability groups to improve disabled passenger's rights. These are the ideal forums to ensure that disabled people have the same access and freedom of movement in Europe as non-disabled people."

ENDS.