Aberdeen International Airport has received the highest ‘Very Good’ rating from the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) annual Airport Accessibility Report.
The CAA has today (Thursday 20 July 2023) published its Airport Accessibility Report on the disability access of 26 of the UK’s largest airports by. The report covers the period from April 2022 to March 2023.
To achieve a 'Very Good' classification, airports must provide a consistent and high-quality assistance service throughout the four quarters of the year. AGS Group’s sister airport in Glasgow also achieved a ‘Very Good’ rating, while Southampton scored two ‘Very Good’ and two ‘Good’ for the year.
Around 16,200 passengers have required additional support while travelling through Aberdeen International Airport this year.
Mark Beveridge, Operations Director at Aberdeen International Airport, said: “Our special assistance team puts in an incredible amount of hard work to ensure passengers who require that little bit of extra help get the support and exceptional service they deserve.
“At Aberdeen International Airport we firmly believe that air travel should be for all and thanks to the care and diligence of our people, more and more passengers who require additional support feel emboldened to fly.
“The airport’s Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) service is delivered by our partners ABM and I want to thank them and indeed all the staff involved in the customer journey for their fantastic work this year.”
One initiative used at the North-East’s major transport hub is its AccessABZ forum. This helps the airport to engage and consult with local disability organisations and users of its assistance service.
The group normally meets twice a year at the airport with members get the opportunity to contribute their input on the service and help the airport become a more accessible environment for all.
Started in 2015, the group has already helped the airport make positive changes in its service, including a new assistance desk being opened beside the main entrance.
Paul Smith, Joint-Interim Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Today’s report shows the dedicated efforts of airports across the UK to ensure that all passengers receive the standard of service they deserve.
“With 18 airports consistently achieving good or very good ratings, and others demonstrating significant improvements, the industry is making strides in returning accessibility levels to those seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s also important to acknowledge that there is still a way to go in providing a consistently good service for disabled and less mobile passengers across the industry, particularly for those with more complex needs, and throughout the busier summer months. The UK Civil Aviation Authority remains committed to working with airports, airlines, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups to drive forward further improvements.”
Aberdeen International Airport is also part of a number of initiatives including the sunflower hidden disability lanyards which are used by those with hidden disabilities to help make air travel more friendly and accessible. The airport also offers passengers the opportunity to have familiarisation tours of the terminal prior to travel plans and produced a series of videos to help passengers travel confidently.
For more on the CAA visit here. To find out more about Aberdeen International Airport’s PRM service click here.