- Belfast City Airport has maintained a ‘Very Good’ accessibility rating for nine years.
- The CAA report assesses assistance for disabled and less mobile passengers.
- New ‘Lived Experience’ training has been introduced for staff.
- Blue Badge parking spaces have been expanded across the airport.
- The rating reflects a collaborative effort between the airport and its PRM provider.
Belfast City Airport has achieved a ‘Very Good’ accessibility rating for the ninth consecutive year, the highest accolade available in the Airport Accessibility Performance Report published by the Civil Aviation Authority. This annual assessment evaluates the performance of airports in providing assistance services to disabled and less mobile passengers. The criteria include waiting times, the quality of service provided, and the effectiveness of engagement with disability stakeholders.
The airport has introduced several initiatives during the reporting period to maintain this high standard. Staff have undertaken ‘Lived Experience’ training in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, designed to enhance their understanding of passengers with accessibility needs. Furthermore, the airport has expanded its provision of Blue Badge parking spaces across all its onsite car parks. These measures build upon existing programmes such as Autism in the Air, a familiarisation scheme for children with autism and their families.
The airport’s management has described the retention of the rating as a significant accomplishment, reflecting the team’s commitment to providing a safe and positive journey. The collaborative approach between Belfast City Airport and its PRM provider, CCS Airport Services, has been cited as a key factor in this achievement. The organisations have focused on listening to passengers and investing in training to deliver a responsive and inclusive service.
Philip Boyle, Terminal and Security Operations Manager at Belfast City Airport shared, “Achieving a ‘Very Good’ accessibility rating once again is a significant accomplishment and reflects our commitment to ensuring every passenger has a safe, accessible and positive journey through Belfast City Airport.”
Nikki Stewart, Station Manager for CCS Airport Services, Belfast City Airport’s PRM provider, added shared, “By listening to these passengers and investing in training, we can continue to provide a service that is responsive, inclusive and tailored to individual needs.”
