More Than 1,000 Wheelchairs Were Damaged in 2024. UK Airlines Plan a Fix

The UK aviation industry has announced new protections for disabled passengers, with a focus on a problem that has long frustrated travelers: damaged mobility aids. The announcement says more than 1,000 wheelchairs were damaged in 2024. The work is coordinated by the cross-industry Aviation Accessibility Implementation Group, set up by the Department for Transport, and follows recommendations from Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

The practical measures start with better protection for wheelchairs and mobility aids, aimed at preventing damage. A standardised form for recording wheelchair details such as battery specifications and handling needs was introduced in March 2026. Staff training, developed with input from disabled passengers, is intended to improve awareness and reduce the need for travelers to repeat their requirements at every stage of a journey.

A UK-first partnership between airlines, airports and mobility aid manufacturers will look at how wheelchairs, especially those with lithium batteries, are carried and handled. A digital platform is also planned for trial, allowing passengers to share support needs before they reach the airport, though no date has been given. The group also calls for better coordination between airline and airport websites so accessibility information is easier to find.

Money is part of the picture. A proposed change that depends on the Civil Aviation Bill, which is still progressing through Parliament, would remove the compensation cap for lost or damaged wheelchairs on domestic UK flights. A consultation on further accessibility reforms is due within 12 months of the Bill receiving Royal Assent. Several measures, including the training and the battery partnership, have no stated start dates, so travelers should treat them as intentions rather than guarantees.

Sources: UK Aviation, Head for Points