Consumer Council Welcomes New Legislation For Air Passengers
Wednesday 23 July 2008
The Consumer Council today welcomed new legislation that will boost the rights of passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility when travelling through airports in Europe. From 26 July, airports will have to provide services that will help these passengers through each stage of their journey.
Donna Magee from the Consumer Council said, “Under the new legislation, the Consumer Council will have additional powers to deal with complaints from passengers who are unhappy with the treatment they receive as a result of this new service at Northern Ireland airports. The Consumer Council has been working in partnership with the Inclusive and Mobility Transport Advisory Committee to make sure that airports here have appropriate plans and measures in place to implement this new legislation.
“In the past, people with disabilities and reduced mobility have found travelling a stressful experience. This new service will change that by making sure these passengers receive the help they need with check in, security, getting on and off the plane, connecting flights, collecting luggage as well as ensuring that important information such as flight delays or cancellations is provided.
“The Consumer Council looks forward to continuing to work with the Civil Aviation Authority, Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and other partners to ensure that these additional rights are working for passengers so that they enjoy a stress free journey each time they fly.”
- Consumer Council media contact: Paula Gunn, telephone, 028 9067 4807 or e-mail,pgunn@consumercouncil.org.uk.
- The Consumer Council is an independent consumer organisation, working to bring about change to benefit Northern Ireland’s consumers. The Council campaigns for high standards of service and protection and a fair deal for all. It also carries out research, gives advice and publishes reports and other publications. It deals with individual complaints about electricity, natural gas, coal, passenger transport and water.
- For more information, visit our website at www.consumercouncil.org.uk or if you have a complaint contact us on 0800 121 6022.
