Date: 24 Jul 2023
George Best Belfast City Airport has retained its ‘Very Good’ rating for accessibility services following the publication of an annual report conducted by The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).The aviation regulator’s Airport Accessibility Report, which assesses 26 of the largest UK airports, details airports’ efforts in providing disabled and less mobile passengers the standard of service to which they are entitled.
Belfast City Airport’s ‘Very Good’ rating, the highest accolade available, was awarded following a CAA assessment based on three criteria: performance against waiting times, user satisfaction, and effectiveness of consultation with their local disability community.
Judith Davis, Airport Operations Manager at Belfast City Airport, commented:
“We are thrilled to have been awarded a ‘Very Good’ accessibility rating once again by the CAA in recognition of our efforts to promote accessibility.
“At Belfast City Airport we view the comfort and safety of all our passengers as a top priority, and staff across all teams are dedicated to ensuring passengers experience a hassle-free, relaxing airport environment.
“Over the past number of years, we have worked hard to implement a variety of innovative measures designed to ensure our airport is accessible to all, and our strong relationships with local disability groups allow us to understand how best to cater to our passengers’ needs.
“We look forward to continuing this record of success throughout the next year and beyond.”
This news follows the recent ‘Autism in the Air’ event which saw children with autism and their families experience the processes, sights and sounds at the airport with the aim of reducing feelings of anxiety that may be associated with air travel.
Belfast City Airport also regularly consults with a variety of local disability groups including Hounds for Heroes, Action on Hearing Loss, Guide Dogs NI, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Urostomy Association with the aim of listening to and responding to the advice provided.
Paul Smith, Joint-Interim Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“The latest report shows the dedicated efforts of airports across the UK to ensure that all passengers receive the standard of service they deserve.
“With 18 airports consistently achieving good or very good ratings, and others demonstrating significant improvements, the industry is making strides in returning accessibility levels to those seen before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s also important to acknowledge that there is still a way to go in providing a consistently good service for disabled and less mobile passengers across the industry, particularly for those with more complex needs, and throughout the busier summer months.
“The UK Civil Aviation Authority remains committed to working with airports, airlines, industry stakeholders, and advocacy groups to drive forward further improvements.”
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