The period in the airport terminal is probably the most tiresome phase ofa journey for most air travelers. Queues, crowds, noise, and generally considerable anxiety and apprehension, are all part of the airport scene. This can be overwhelming for any but the more experienced traveler and for those with mobility problems or sensory impairments it may even be a factorto deter them from air travel. In recent years since the International Year of Disabled People (IYD) 1981, air travel has become more available to people with disabilities. Aircraft manufacturers are tackling mobility problems in the cabin and airlines have agreed common procedures for medical clearance and the provision of assistance during the journey. As airport operators, the British Airports Authority (BAA) has recognized for many years that some travelers may find it difficult to cope at the airport by designing its passenger buildings to allow for the free flow of passengers particularly those in wheelchairs or those who find it difficult to walk thedistances involved between concourse and aircraft. Appropriate building design with supporting services have been the key aspect of BAAÆs policy towards elderly and handicapped passengers. This paper describes the evolution of this policy in the context of BAAÆs role in the operation of its airports and how the policy is implemented.
Samenvatting