Disability court asks DGCA to ensure airline websites are accessible to the blind

disabilities has ordered the aviation regulator to ensure that the websites of airlines and travel portals are accessible to people who are visually impaired, failing which they should be barred from selling air tickets. If the travel agents fail to do so, then the DGCA shall not allow them to sell air tickets on any websites throughout the country. The DGCA should also levy fines for non-compliance by the airlines or the travel agents,” the Court of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has said, according to the record of proceedings uploaded on Tuesday. The January 5 order to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also directed the regulator to submit a report on action taken within 30 days.In a significant move towards promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwD) in the aviation sector, the court of the Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) has issued a series of directives to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).The court's intervention came in response to a complaint highlighting critical accessibility issues faced by PwD in the aviation sector. One of the primary concerns raised was the non-compliance of airline and travel agent websites with accessibility guidelines mandated by the DGCA's 2014 instructions.

This lack of conformity poses a significant challenge for individuals with total blindness, who are unable to independently book tickets, severely limiting their travel autonomy.Another issue brought to light by the complaint was the lack of awareness among call center and training staff regarding the assistance code required for passengers with disabilities. This oversight, coupled with limited options available in online reservation forms, creates additional barriers for PwD seeking necessary assistance.The complainant also highlighted the limitations faced by passengers with disabilities in web check-in processes. Citing concerns related to emergency seat allocation, airlines currently do not allow PwD to check-in online.

This restriction further complicates the travel experience for individuals with disabilities.In response to these concerns, CCPD Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized that these issues fall within the framework of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and various judicial decisions. Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the CCPD directed the DGCA to take decisive action to address these challenges.