Birmingham Airport has retained its 'Good' accessibility rating in the latest annual Airport Accessibility Report, while East Midlands Airport achieved a 'Very Good' rating. The assessment comes as a record 5.9 million passengers used assistance services across UK airports in 2025, reflecting a 115% increase in demand over the past decade.
Report Highlights and Ratings
The annual report evaluated 28 UK airports, with 19 receiving 'Very Good' ratings and nine, including Birmingham, earning 'Good' ratings. Notably, no airports were rated 'Needs Improvement' or 'Poor' this year, underscoring significant progress since the Accessibility Performance Framework was introduced in 2014.
Birmingham Airport's consistent rating demonstrates its commitment to accessible travel, despite the rising pressure of increased passenger numbers requiring assistance.
Investment and Passenger Satisfaction
A Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: "We're proud of our rating in the latest Airport Accessibility Report. The measures we've introduced over the last few years, including the addition of 12 brand-new ambulifts and investment of £3.8 million, have enabled us to respond effectively to rising assistance needs."
The airport's customer satisfaction survey found that 80% of assisted travel customers reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the service. This positive feedback highlights the effectiveness of recent investments in accessibility infrastructure.
Challenges Remain Despite Progress
Despite these advancements, challenges persist across the sector. According to the Civil Aviation Authority's latest survey, 58% of disabled consumers reported difficulties accessing airports and flying. This statistic reveals that more work is needed to ensure fully inclusive air travel for all passengers.
The report's findings indicate a mixed picture: while airports have made notable improvements, the experiences of disabled passengers still vary significantly depending on the airport and the nature of their needs.
National Context and Future Outlook
The surge in assistance requests – from 2.7 million in 2015 to 5.9 million in 2025 – reflects broader societal trends, including an aging population and greater awareness of accessibility rights. Airports are responding with increased investment in staff training, equipment, and facilities.
Birmingham Airport's maintenance of its 'Good' rating places it in a solid position, though the airport will need to continue adapting to meet growing demand. The addition of new ambulifts and the £3.8 million investment are steps in the right direction, but ongoing evaluation will be crucial.
As the aviation industry looks to the future, the focus on accessibility is likely to intensify. With no airports rated poorly this year, the sector is clearly moving in the right direction, but the 58% of disabled consumers facing difficulties serves as a reminder that there is still considerable room for improvement.
