Brussels, 25/07/2007 (Agence Europe): The first part of regulation 1107/06 entered into force on 26 July. This guarantees people with disabilities (physically disabled, senior citizens, people with impaired hearing, the blind, and people with mental disabilities) non-discriminatory access to air transport services. Adopted in July 2006 (EUROPE 9094), the new rules implement a harmonised legal framework guaranteeing the elimination of any kind of discrimination against these groups of people.
Airlines or travel agents can no longer refuse reservations or embarkation because of disability or reduced mobility. Travel agents will also be obliged to clearly inform their client if the company or airport their customers have chosen, cannot provide the requested services.
As from 26 July 2008, two other provisions of the regulation will enter into force. Airlines will be obliged to ensure assistance on planes free of charge, such as free transport by wheelchair or blind dogs. Bodies in charge of management will be solely responsible for assistance services in airports. These services (such as that of provision of wheel chairs) may be subcontracted out. Member states will have to set up inspection bodies in charge of ensuring that the regulation is applied on their territory. In the event of the regulation being flaunted, those responsible for air transport could be subject to financial sanctions as established by the member states in question. (aby)