By Neil Barnfather
As someone who has navigated countless airports as a blind traveller, I’ve experienced firsthand both the barriers that make aviation inaccessible and the transformative power of inclusive technology. The European Accessibility Act (EAA), which became enforceable on June 28, is more than just another regulatory hurdle – it’s an opportunity for aviation to lead the next wave of inclusive innovation, benefiting not only every traveller but also airports and airlines themselves.
The reality check: Enforcement is here and now
Let me be clear. The EAA isn’t a distant concern; it’s an immediate reality with real consequences. Just weeks after the June deadline, France delivered a stark wake-up call. Four of the country’s largest retail chains – Auchan, Carrefour, E.Leclerc, and Picard – received formal legal notices for failing to make their digital services accessible to people with disabilities. These weren’t gentle warnings; they were formal legal proceedings backed by disability advocacy groups.
This enforcement action should galvanise the aviation industry, not frighten it. It demonstrates that accessibility compliance has moved from voluntary best practice to legal necessity. But more importantly, it signals an unprecedented opportunity for aviation to lead where others have stumbled.
A historic market opportunity: Accessible tourism’s economic impact
The business case for accessibility has never been stronger. Across Europe, 135 million people with disabilities represent significant economic potential. Accessible tourism alone contributes €394 billion annually to the EU’s GDP. When we also consider their families, travel companions, and the growing aging population that depends on accessibility features, the market opportunity becomes even clearer and has the power to help reshape aviation economics.
Recent research reveals that comprehensive accessibility improvements could increase this accessible tourism market by as much as 40%, potentially reaching €537 billion in GDP benefits within the EU. As someone who has spent years advocating for accessible travel, I can tell you that this market is hungry for innovation. The technology to capture this opportunity already exists; the EAA simply provides the regulatory framework that makes implementation essential.
The curb-cut effect: Innovation that elevates everyone
Here’s what excites me most about the EAA’s potential: accessibility improvements create what’s known as the “curb-cut effect” – solutions designed for people with disabilities that end up benefiting everyone. The term comes from sidewalk curb cuts originally designed for wheelchair users, which quickly became essential for parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and delivery workers.
In aviation, this phenomenon is already emerging:
- Multi-modal information systems that deliver real-time updates via visual displays, audio announcements, and mobile notifications create redundant communication pathways, improving reliability for all travelers.
- Voice-activated interfaces, initially designed for passengers unable to use traditional touchscreens, are now the preferred method for busy travellers.
- High-contrast displays and readable fonts, which assist blind and low vision (BLV) passengers, also help anyone reading screens in bright airport lighting.
- Accessible navigation systems offering clear, step-by-step guidance reduce confusion for travellers with disabilities, as well as for international visitors and anyone navigating complex airport environments under stress.
The EAA’s requirement for services to be “perceivable, operable, understandable and robust” across multiple sensory channels perfectly aligns with aviation’s technology revolution. Rather than viewing accessibility as a constraint, forward-thinking airports and airlines are discovering it’s a catalyst for breakthrough innovations.
From compliance to competitive advantage
As someone passionate about inclusive design, I’ve witnessed how accessibility can transform from what many perceive as a burden into a competitive advantage. The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s recent accessibility audit revealed significant variations in airline digital compliance, but the leaders in this space are discovering tangible business benefits:
- Operational efficiency: Accessible systems reduce passenger confusion and minimise flight delays caused by lost travelers.
- Enhanced customer experience: When airports design for the most challenging accessibility needs, they create solutions that work brilliantly for all travelers.
- Market leadership: Organisations that embrace inclusive design principles establish themselves as innovation leaders while building reputation for customer-centricity.
- Future-proofing: Europe’s aging population means accessibility features will become mainstream expectations rather than specialised accommodations.
The leadership moment: The time is now
The aviation industry has always thrived on turning challenges into competitive advantages. Safety regulations that once seemed burdensome became the foundation for operational excellence, while environmental standards drove fuel‑efficiency innovation. Now, accessibility requirements present the opportunity to pioneer inclusive technologies, open vast new markets, and rethink costly, process‑driven PRM models. That approach is expensive and growing more so, but digital‑first solutions rebalance costs, improve efficiency, and deliver a win–win–win for passengers, operators, and regulators.
Early movers in accessibility innovation will secure market position before competition intensifies. Organisations that act decisively can shape industry standards, gain first‑mover advantage, and future‑proof their business. Unlike previous regulatory changes with lengthy development cycles, today’s digital‑first accessibility solutions are ready for immediate deployment – either alongside existing systems or as stand‑alone options. For the first time, technology delivers this flexibility at scale.
The call to action: Leading aviation’s accessibility revolution
The evidence is clear, the framework is established, and enforcement is real. What happens next will determine which aviation organisations become accessibility leaders and which scramble to catch up. This is not about ticking compliance boxes or avoiding penalties – it is about reimagining how aviation serves its passengers. The French retailers who received legal notices chose to wait and hesitate. Aviation leaders have a different choice: act decisively and show that inclusive design is not just the right thing to do but the smart thing.
Start now. Audit your digital touchpoints. Engage with travelers who have disabilities. Partner with accessibility providers. Train your teams. Above all, shift from seeing accessibility as accommodation to recognising it as an innovation catalyst.
Aviation has always been about connecting people and breaking down barriers. The EAA asks us to fulfill that promise completely. The question is not whether you will embrace accessibility – it is whether you will lead the transformation.
The moment is now.
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Neil Barnfather MBE serves as Chief Commercial Officer at GoodMaps, where he leads global strategy for accessible indoor navigation solutions. A passionate advocate for inclusive technology, Neil brings over two decades of experience in digital transformation and accessibility innovation to the aviation industry. As a blind traveller himself, Neil combines personal insight with professional expertise to champion accessibility solutions that benefit everyone.
Neil will be at this year’s World Aviation Festival in Lisbon and would love to meet and discuss any of this at the GoodMaps booth #2-141. To arrange a meeting, you can use this link: https://cal.com/NeilBarnfather.
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