Exeter airport ranked "good" in accessibility report

Exeter airport has received a “good” ranking in a report from the UK Civil Aviation Authority as the demand for more accessible services increases.

The annual Airport Accessibility Report ranked all UK airports with an average annual passenger count of 150,000 or more.

They assessed each airport on how they accommodated and treated passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities.

11 airports, including Newquay, received a ranking of “very good” between April 2023 and March 2024. 

Exeter was one of 12 airports to receive a “good” rating, while only five airports, including Bristol, were rated as “needs improvement”.

In the last decade, the regulator’s Airport Accessibility Framework has helped drive the improvements of UK airports, especially since the COVID pandemic.

It details exactly how passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility should be treated and is committed to holding the aviation industry accountable for providing the wrong travel experience.

This year's report comes amid a significant surge in demand, as passengers report declining satisfaction with airport performance.

Anna Bowles, Head of Consumer Policy and Enforcement at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Making aviation accessible to all is an important part of our work to protect the public and enable the aerospace sector. 

“Progress is being made, and not rating any airports ‘poor’ this year is welcome, but there’s more work to do, especially by those airports we have rated ‘needs improvement’ in our report. We will continue to work with the sector to ensure that standards are maintained and improved.”

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “Everyone has the right to travel with dignity, and it is clear that more needs to be done to make accessible and enjoyable flying a reality for everyone. I look forward to working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority and industry on this important matter.

“I am pleased to see the Civil Aviation Authority's new airline performance framework to ensure airlines are providing passengers with the best possible service when they fly and are working to improve accessibility of the sector.”

You can find the full report here.