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  3. Motoring, travel and transport for people with disabilities

Air travel and disability

Airports are responsible for helping people with disabilities or with reduced mobility to board, disembark and transfer between flights. Help on board an aircraft is the responsibility of the airline.

Getting help from airlines and airports

If you have a disability or reduced mobility you should give airlines and airports as much notice as possible. This allows them to make any necessary arrangements for your journey,

This usually means telling them about your needs when you are making your flight booking - generally at least 48 hours beforehand.

Each of the main airports in Northern Ireland has information for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility on their websites:

  • Special Assistance - Belfast International Airport
  • Special Assistance - George Best Belfast City Airport
  • Special Assistance - City of Derry Airport

If you plan to fly out of Dublin airport, visit the help and support section on its website:

  • Help and support - Dublin Airport

The Civil Aviation Authority also has information about getting special assistance at airport if you have a disability.

  • Accessing special assistance at the airport

Your rights as an air passenger

The Consumer Council has information for air passengers who need special assistance when travelling. It also has information about additional charges airlines might charge you and help to let you to make informed decision when arranging travel. You can also find out about your rights as an air passenger.

  • Access to air travel

If you are not self-sufficient

An airline can demand that a passenger travels with a companion if the passenger is not self-sufficient. This includes being able to administer their own medicines and medical procedures.

Don't claim that you are self-sufficient if you are not. You may cause yourself and the airline serious problems because they will be unable to meet your basic needs.

Always pack your medication in your hand luggage where possible, in case your main luggage goes missing.

  • Air travel 

The Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Committee (Imtac) has a factsheet on travelling by air for people with disabilities.

  • Travelling by air

More useful links

  • Planning a trip if you have a disability
  • Foreign travel insurance
  • Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility
  • Accessing special assistance at the airport
  • Contacting 08 and 03 numbers
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Motoring, travel and transport for people with disabilities

  • Accessible parking bays
  • Adapting your vehicle
  • Air travel and disability
  • Blue Badge scheme
  • Bus and train travel with a disability
  • Community transport and shopmobility schemes
  • Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS)
  • Driving and disability
  • Ferry travel and disability
  • Free bus travel and concessions
  • Learning to drive with a disability
  • Planning a trip if you have a disability
  • Shopmobility Northern Ireland
  • The Motability Scheme
  • Travel accommodation and disability
  • Travel Safe – a guide for people with learning disabilities
  • Travelling by taxi with a disability
  • Vehicle tax for people with disabilities
  • Your rights - motoring and transport

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Email 
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