IATA, ICAO, and ACI to Host Symposium on Accessibility in International Civil Aviation in Dec 2024

“Universally coordinated and accessible air transport can only be achieved through close collaboration along the aviation value chain,” said Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO’s Secretary General.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Airports Council International (ACI) will co-host a Symposium on Accessibility in International Civil Aviation from December 2 to 3, 2024, at the ICAO Headquarters in Montréal, Canada. This important event will bring together governments, industry representatives, and advocacy groups to tackle the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in air travel.

Under the theme “Inclusive and Universally Accessible Air Transport for Persons with Disabilities and Reduced Mobility,” the symposium will explore various strategies aimed at creating a more accessible air transport system. Key discussion topics will include:

International frameworks and policies for accessibility inclusion

Barriers to air travel: architectural, technological, and informational

Personal stories from passengers with disabilities

Global collaboration on mutual standards and practices

Enhancing accessibility through design and technology

Mobility in air transport

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.3 billion individuals live with some form of disability, which represents approximately 16% of the global population. As the population ages, this percentage is expected to rise, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in air travel accessibility.

Both States and the aviation industry have demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing accessible air transport for passengers with disabilities. However, current regulations often address concerns at the individual jurisdiction level. Significant progress will require a shift toward establishing a cohesive global framework.

“Universally coordinated and accessible air transport can only be achieved through close collaboration along the aviation value chain,” said Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO’s Secretary General. “ICAO is heightening cooperation with IATA and ACI on this priority, because it is only by showing governments and operators how to work together that we will successfully tackle existing barriers in air travel.”

Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, emphasized the need for collaboration: “Airlines want to ensure safe, reliable, and dignified travel for every passenger, including those with disabilities. To deliver this, airlines, airports, and the disability community must work together. Coordination among all players is key to empowering passengers with disabilities to travel with confidence.”

Justin Erbacci, ACI World’s Director General, reiterated the organization’s commitment to enabling barrier-free environments: “This symposium will bring together aviation stakeholders from across the ecosystem to engage in meaningful dialogue to identify actionable steps toward creating a more accessible air transport system.”

Organized as part of the 2024 ICAO Year of Facilitation, the symposium is expected to generate valuable expertise to improve the air travel experience for individuals living with disabilities. The event will also inform discussions among ICAO’s 193 Member States regarding accessibility as they prepare for the 42nd ICAO Assembly in 2025.

The symposium will feature an exhibition showcasing practical accessibility solutions and services. Registration is open to aviation stakeholders, including border control authorities, airport and aircraft operators, advocacy groups, and interested parties from all Member States. For more information on the event and to register, please visit www.icao.int/Meetings/Accessibility2024.