By: Van Soul Addey
The International Air
Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI World) have called for stronger
global cooperation to make air travel more accessible, inclusive and seamless
for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility.
The three organisations
jointly hosted the second Global Accessibility Symposium at ICAO headquarters
in Montréal, Canada, on October 14–15, 2026, bringing together regulators,
airlines, airports, international organisations, manufacturers and representatives
of persons with disabilities.
The symposium focused on
achieving the shared goal of improving accessibility across the aviation
sector, with participants emphasising that no single stakeholder could achieve
this alone.
“Passengers experience one
continuous journey, so making it accessible calls for effective coordination
across the entire aviation ecosystem,” IATA said.
Discussions highlighted the
importance of international collaboration, consistent regulations, practical
implementation and meaningful engagement with disability communities.
Participants also examined
the need to turn policy commitments into action, strengthen guidance materials,
share best practices and embed accessibility in the future of aviation,
including digital transformation and seamless travel initiatives.
IATA said accessibility was
becoming an increasingly important part of aviation’s social sustainability and
operational agendas.
