A person with reduced mobility travelling from airports in the EU and on flights from third countries to an airport in a member state is entitled to protection and assistance, according to the provisions of Regulation 1107/2006.

This regulation applies to anyone with mobility problems, whether these are due to age, disability or even temporary injury. Anyone wishing to receive assistance is requested to indicate their particular requirements to their travel agency or airline as soon as possible.

Although this is not compulsory, it should be done at least 48 hours before departure if people wish to receive assistance adapted to their needs.

Refusal on grounds of disability or impaired mobility

An air carrier, its agent or a tour operator must not refuse to accept a reservation or to embark a passenger with a valid ticket, on the grounds of disability or of reduced mobility:

To meet applicable safety requirements, the airline may refuse to accept a booking if the size of the aircraft or its doors makes the embarkation or carriage of such a person physically impossible. However, the air carrier, its agent or tour operator must propose an acceptable alternative to the inconvenienced passenger.

A passenger who has been denied embarkation on the grounds of disability or reduced mobility, and any person accompanying him, shall be offered the right to reimbursement or re-routing as provided for in Regulation 261/2004.

The right to the option of a return flight or re-routing shall be subject to safety requirements.

The airline or tour operator may require that a person with reduced mobility be accompanied by someone else who is in a position of providing the assistance required by that person.

Free assistance in all EU airports

European airports provide a number of services for people with reduced mobility from the moment they enter the airport to boarding, at both departure and arrival.

These passengers are thus able to use airport infrastructure in the same way as any other passenger. They also enjoy priority boarding.

Assistance on board

On flights from EU airports and from airports in a third country to an EU destination, European airlines are obliged to provide certain services, such as carrying wheelchairs and guide dogs free of charge.

Damaged wheelchairs or other mobility equipment

Where wheelchairs or other mobility equipment are lost or damaged while being handled, the passenger shall be compensated.

This information was provided by the European Consumer Centre Malta.

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