Breaking the Barriers: Accessibility Challenges for Disabled Passengers in Aviation

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 3, 590 - 599, 19.10.2025

Kübra Nur Cingoz , Vildan Durmaz

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

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

Accessibility , Mobility , Inclusion , Passenger with disabilities , Challenges for disabled passengers

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