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Certain articles of a new European Union (EU) law that offers the disabled and the elderly equal access to air transport in EU airports enter into force on Thursday.

 

These articles deal with equal treatment of persons affected by reduced mobility, thus preventing discrimination.

 

Articles dealing with compulsory assistance free of charge at airports and on board a plane will come into force a year later.

 

Articles three and four of the EU regulation, that come into force on Thursday, prohibit the refusal by airlines and tour operators to carry passengers, or to take bookings, on the basis of reduced mobility.

 

Exceptions can be made only for duly justified safety reasons or in circumstances where the size of the aircraft or its doors make the embarkation impossible.

 

As from July 26, 2008, all airports in the EU will have to provide a specific set of services for persons with reduced mobility, covering virtually every step of the passenger's stay at the airport and his or her embarkation and disembarkation.

 

Meanwhile airlines will be obliged to provide certain services, such as the carrying of wheelchairs or guide dogs in the cabin, free of charge.

 

By July 26, 2008, the EU member states will be required to designate a body or bodies to ensure the implementation of the regulation. Member states are also obliged to lay down penalties for airports and air carriers for failure to provide the required assistance to people with reduced mobility.

 

"The phasing-in of these rules, starting tomorrow, will put an end to discrimination and give disabled and elderly passengers the help they need," said Jacques Barrot, vice president of the European Commission in charge of transport.

 

Around 10 percent of the EU population is affected by reduced mobility -- mainly because of disability or old age.

 

The regulation was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on July 5, 2006.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2007)