Breda University Study Highlights Persistent Barriers for Disabled Air Travellers

Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) has examined the journey of air travellers with disabilities, calling for a collaborative approach as European accessibility law completes its second year. Despite regulations meant to aid the disabled, air travel remains challenging. The research emphasizes that barriers exist throughout their travel experience.

Published in Research in Transportation Business & Management, the study includes individuals with visible and hidden disabilities, analyzing each travel stage. BUas collaborates with partners on the INCLAVI project to push for inclusive aviation, introducing concepts like the cumulative effect of barriers, which erodes passenger trust and dignity.

The study stresses that beyond physical hurdles, the accumulation of small oversight creates major difficulties. It advocates for the aviation sector to engage with disabled passengers in designing services, ensuring both safety and adaptability. BUas offers a training course for professionals, fostering this needed change.