Israel Moves to Regulate Air Travel Rights for Passengers with Disabilities
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
Israel has introduced a draft regulation to address air travel accessibility for people with disabilities, fulfilling a commitment made in a 2013 aviation agreement with the EU. The new rules aim to cover the entire passenger journey, from booking to boarding, and mandate training for staff. However, the draft still permits airlines to deny service on safety grounds or due to aircraft size, potentially leaving passengers with limited options.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Israel's Ministry of Transport has submitted draft regulations to improve air travel accessibility for passengers with disabilities.
- The new rules aim to fulfill a 2013 aviation agreement commitment with the European Union.
- The draft covers the entire passenger journey, including information, assistance, and assistive devices.
- Airlines can still refuse service to passengers with disabilities for safety or aircraft dimension reasons.
- The regulations address a long-standing gap in Israeli aviation law regarding passenger accessibility.
Israel is finally moving to regulate air travel accessibility for individuals with disabilities, with a new draft regulation aiming to ensure equitable flight opportunities. The draft, submitted by the Ministry of Transport, expands upon existing regulations that primarily focused on aircraft structure. It seeks to implement comprehensive rules for airlines and airport operators, aligning with international commitments such as the Chicago Convention and a 2013 aviation agreement with the European Union. This agreement included a commitment to adopt European standards, which has not yet been fulfilled.
Despite the international obligation, Israel has lacked a comprehensive regulatory framework for passenger accessibility. While the EU has specific regulations for passengers with disabilities and the obligations of aviation entities, Israel's system has remained incomplete. This regulatory gap has led to uncertainty for passengers with disabilities regarding their rights, the extent of assistance they are entitled to, and the division of responsibilities between airlines and airport operators, creating a significant barrier to travel.
The proposed draft aims to cover the entire passenger journey. It mandates the provision of accessible information during ticket purchase, allows for pre-arranged assistance, and includes provisions for escorts at airports and during boarding. Furthermore, it requires airlines to transport assistive devices free of charge and establishes responsibility for repair or compensation in cases of lost or damaged equipment. The draft also mandates training for airline and airport staff who interact with passengers with disabilities.
However, even if enacted, the regulations highlight the disparity between Israel's commitments and actual implementation. The draft allows airlines to refuse service to passengers with disabilities on safety grounds or if aircraft dimensions prevent their transport. In certain situations, passengers may be required to travel with an attendant. While airlines would need to justify refusals and attempt to offer alternatives, passengers might face last-minute decisions, as they are required to provide 48 hours' notice, potentially limiting their options.
