Passengers at Manchester airport may have to walk 822 metres from check-in or special assistance desks to their departure gate.
The study by the travel organisation ABTA, found that customers at major UK airports may have to walk over 1 km, with Stansted the worst performing at over 1165 metres and Luton Airport at 900m which can be a challenge for passengers who find it difficult to walk longer distances. As part of its support for World Tourism Day whose theme this year is “Accessible Tourism for All”, ABTA is advising people to pre-notify their tour operator or airline no later than 48 hours in advance of departure, that they may need assistance.
Many passengers only ask for assistance once they arrive at the airport and discover they may have to walk long distances. Providing assistance at this late stage, particularly at busy times of the year, can be problematic for airport resources and in the worst case scenario, could lead to the passenger missing their flight. Airports have invested considerable sums in terms of foot passenger transport aids such as moving walkways and shuttles, however, there may still be lengthy walks at larger airports throughout the world.
Airports and airlines throughout the European Union will provide assistance to customers who may need it. People who use wheelchairs or who may be using crutches or have some other form of significant physical disability, are generally very aware of the need to inform their airline in advance. However, other passengers – particularly those who find it difficult to walk a longer distance – may also require assistance to make the journey from check-in to gate and are also being encouraged to pre-notify.
Nikki White, ABTA Director of Destinations and Sustainability, said: “The travel industry is committed to making holidays and other travel arrangements accessible for everyone. For most, travelling through airports is a fairly straight-forward process, but for those who may find walking longer distances harder to manage, larger airports can present a challenge. We would encourage anyone who may need assistance to inform their tour operator or airline no later than 48 hours before they travel so that their journey through the airport will be as comfortable as possible, and they will be able to board their flight with plenty of time to spare.”
