Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation

Kübra Nur Cingoz; Vildan Durmaz

doi:10.30518/jav.1681239

Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation

Abstract

The global number of passengers with disabilities (PWDs) has increased significantly, with passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs) rising at a rate far exceeding overall passenger growth. Yet, despite this growing demand, substantial barriers to accessible air travel persist, resulting in lower participation rates among passengers with disabilities compared to other traveler groups. Existing challenges include insufficient infrastructure, fragmented services, inconsistent implementation of accessibility measures, and limited awareness of available accommodations. Furthermore, inadequate staff training, communication gaps, and persistent risks associated with mobility equipment exacerbate these difficulties, while passengers with mental health conditions encounter additional complexities.This study aims to systematically examine the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities in air transportation through a thematic approach. By employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) model, the research analyzes recent developments and identifies persistent barriers within both airports and aircraft. The findings highlight the need for harmonized procedures across airlines and airports, comprehensive staff education, inclusive infrastructure, and the integration of assistive technologies. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of involving passengers with disabilities in policy development and decision-making processes. Finally, several targeted recommendations are presented for regulators, airlines, and designers to foster a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive air travel experience.

Keywords

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Passenger Needs

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Kübra Nur Cingoz ^*
0000-0002-2919-8829
Türkiye

Vildan Durmaz
0000-0003-3649-1780
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

October 18, 2025

Publication Date

October 19, 2025

Submission Date

April 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 15, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1681239

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA86WJ76KC

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Cingoz, K. N., & Durmaz, V. (2025). Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation. Journal of Aviation, 9(3), 590-599. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1681239

AMA

1.Cingoz KN, Durmaz V. Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation. JAV. 2025;9(3):590-599. doi:10.30518/jav.1681239

Chicago

Cingoz, Kübra Nur, and Vildan Durmaz. 2025. “Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation”. Journal of Aviation 9 (3): 590-99. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1681239.

EndNote

Cingoz KN, Durmaz V (October 1, 2025) Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation. Journal of Aviation 9 3 590–599.

IEEE

[1]K. N. Cingoz and V. Durmaz, “Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation”, JAV, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 590–599, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.30518/jav.1681239.

ISNAD

Cingoz, Kübra Nur - Durmaz, Vildan. “Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation”. Journal of Aviation 9/3 (October 1, 2025): 590-599. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1681239.

JAMA

1.Cingoz KN, Durmaz V. Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation. JAV. 2025;9:590–599.

MLA

Cingoz, Kübra Nur, and Vildan Durmaz. “Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation”. Journal of Aviation, vol. 9, no. 3, Oct. 2025, pp. 590-9, doi:10.30518/jav.1681239.

Vancouver

1.Kübra Nur Cingoz, Vildan Durmaz. Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation. JAV. 2025 Oct. 1;9(3):590-9. doi:10.30518/jav.1681239

Cited By

Examining airport accessibility through the experiences of UK-domiciled air passengers living with disabilities

Journal of Transport & Health

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2026.102311