Airlines to carry guide dogs and wheelchairs for free

AIRLINES will have to carry wheelchairs and guide dogs for free and will also be banned from limiting the number of disabled people they carry on flights under new EU rules.

Airports will have to provide help and services free of charge to those with reduced mobility, while tour operators and airlines will not be allowed to refuse bookings from people with reduced mobility.

The legislation, part of which comes into force today, was drawn up in response to the policies of Ryanair — sued for charging a passenger £18 (€26.93) for a wheelchair in 2002. Two years ago, the airline removed a number of blind passengers from a flight. Ryanair, under its rules, only permits a maximum of four disabled people on board, on the basis that any more would impede the crew’s ability to evacuate a plane within 90 seconds in an emergency.