New facilities available for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Cardiff International Airport is proving its commitment to Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRMs) by introducing new facilities and services to assist with the journey through the airport.
As approximately 10% of the EU population is affected by reduced mobility The European Commission has introduced new legislation effective from July 26th 2008
The changes offer the disabled and the elderly access to air transport comparable to that of any other passengers flying from airports in the European Union. The responsibility for meeting these needs had previously fallen on the airlines.
The airport therefore has a responsibility towards PRMs during their time at the airport, from their arrival until they board the aircraft, and from the point of disembarkation until they leave the airport.
Cardiff International Airport now has the following facilities available:
- Three special assistance call points located in the car parks and outside the main entrance of the terminal
Passengers will be able to use the call points to report their arrival.
- A special assistance reception desk located in the check-in hall
All relevant details will be taken to determine the level of assistance required and the process will be explained here.
Assistance for passengers travelling outbound
Outbound special assistance passengers can be assisted from check in, through to security, into the departures lounge and onto the aircraft.
Assistance for passengers travelling inbound
Inbound special assistance passengers can be assisted to disembark the aircraft and taken through passport control, customs and the baggage hall.
Assistance to the car park or public transport on return
Passengers can be assisted back to the special assistance points in the car parks or to the public transport facilities available.
Patrick Duffy, managing director at Cardiff International Airport commented: ‘This is an extremely important development in air travel as the changes will offer passengers with reduced mobility assurance that their needs will be met.
After a 6 month tender process we awarded Interserve the contract to manage services at Cardiff and they have a team of specially trained staff to support passengers requiring assistance.
With the new facilities and services unveiled at Cardiff International Airport we’re certain that travelling through the airport will be a much easier experience and will enable passengers with reduced mobility to travel with much greater confidence.’
Andy Klom, Head of the European Commission Office in Wales, said: ‘I'm very happy that Cardiff International Airport has been so proactive in implementing the new provisions of EU legislation regarding access by passengers with reduced mobility. I hope that elderly passengers and those with disabilities will benefit as much as possible from the new improved access at Cardiff International Airport.
This legislation and its introduction at Cardiff International Airport show once again that the European Union does make a difference in the daily lives of European citizens.’
Kate Bennett, National Director Wales for the Equality and Human Rights Commission added: ‘This is the biggest ever single shake-up in airport customer service and we believe this new regulation will bring real improvements for disabled people and those with reduced mobility.
It should also be very good for business. Disabled people alone have a spending power of some £80 billion and people who previously daren’t risk flying for fear of problems, can now confidently give it a try.
The Commission has considerable powers to ensure that the air travel industry meets its obligations and we shall be monitoring complaints carefully and using them to improve services.
I am really pleased that Cardiff Airport is now taking a positive approach to making air travel a much better experience for disabled travellers.’
All passengers who require this service should pre-book with their tour operator or airline, or directly with Cardiff International Airport by contacting 01446 729329 or e-mailing PRMDesk@cwl.aero.
Information about the scheme can be found on the airport’s website www.cwlfly.com, and through organisations representing disabled and elderly people in the South Wales area.
