Partial victory for disabled rights, as some carers may board flights for free from 2027

New EU legislation will allow disabled passengers to travel with companions free of charge if deemed necessary by airlines, starting from 23 October 2027. This change addresses previous loopholes that allowed airlines to deny service to passengers with reduced mobility. While the legislation is seen as a victory for disabled rights, it does not cover companions not required by airlines, who will still need to pay for tickets. Advocacy groups express concerns that the new rules may not fully protect all disabled passengers, highlighting ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable travel access.