Global call for inclusion in air travel

05-08-25

In a joint initiative reinforcing their commitment to fairer and more accessible mobility, UN Tourism, Fundación ONCE, and the Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) have issued a call to governments, international organizations, airport authorities, and airlines to ensure effective access to personal assistance during air travel for persons with disabilities. This declaration is part of a broader strategy to transform air transport into an inclusive environment that fully respects the human rights and dignity of all passengers, particularly those facing physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers.

The document presented by the entities emphasizes that the current model of assistance in airports—based on impersonal protocols or generic solutions—is insufficient to adequately meet the specific needs of many travelers with disabilities. For this reason, they call for the explicit inclusion of the right to personal assistance in both national and international regulatory frameworks. This role is understood as individualized and dignified support that accompanies the passenger throughout the entire travel process: from arrival at the airport, through security controls and boarding, to disembarkation and baggage collection.

UN Tourism has stressed that universal accessibility must no longer be seen as an aspirational goal but rather as a regulatory and operational obligation in the global tourism industry. In this context, the organization’s Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, has repeatedly stated that truly sustainable tourism is only possible if it is also inclusive. Air transport, as the backbone of global connectivity, plays a crucial role in this process and must adopt standards that eliminate discriminatory practices and promote equity.

Fundación ONCE, an institution renowned for its work in promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities, has pointed out that many individuals avoid traveling due to the fear of not receiving adequate support. This results in exclusion, limits rights, and negatively affects the well-being and autonomy of millions of people worldwide. For the foundation, having a personal assistant at the airport is not a luxury, but a basic need and a right that must be protected by law and guaranteed by both public and private stakeholders in the aviation sector.

The Spanish Association for Standardization (UNE) also reaffirmed its commitment to developing technical standards that incorporate universal accessibility criteria. Through standardization, clear and measurable guidelines can be established to help airlines and airport operators implement services that are more humane, efficient, and respectful. UNE has also reminded stakeholders that accessibility is not an obstacle to progress but rather a fundamental condition for quality, innovation, and competitiveness in the transportation sector.

This joint appeal comes at a time of transformation for the aviation industry, which is navigating post-pandemic recovery, technological change, and evolving passenger expectations. Integrating a disability-focused perspective as a core component of airport policy and operations is not only an ethical duty, but a strategic opportunity to build customer loyalty, expand markets, and develop long-term sustainable reputations.

The initiative also aims to align air transport standards with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities—particularly Article 9, which obliges State Parties to ensure equal access to physical environments, transportation, information, and communications. Although some countries have made progress in regulating airport assistance, there remains a wide disparity in criteria and enforcement, leading to legal uncertainty and inequality for passengers depending on their origin or destination.

UN Tourism, Fundación ONCE, and UNE reaffirm that this is not merely a matter of adapting infrastructure or ticking compliance boxes—it is about transforming the organizational culture of the entire aviation ecosystem, adopting a people-centered vision. The message is clear: inclusion must no longer be optional or peripheral. It must become a structural priority in the global aviation agenda. In a world striving to be more just, more connected, and more humane, guaranteeing personal assistance for air passengers with disabilities is an essential step to ensure that flying is no longer a barrier, but truly a right for all.

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