Airlines could face fines from the US for lack of special needs services

Starting from Wednesday, airlines from the Middle East flying to the United States could face fines of up to $27,500 (Dh101,000) per violation if they do not comply with accessibility rules set by the authorities for people with special needs.

Dubai Airports, said that it was working with industry officials in the industry to provide the much needed special services.

Dayton Lehman Jr, principal deputy assistant general counsel of the Department of Transport, Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings said that non-compliance could result in severe consequences for airlines.

"Depending on the violation, we could issue anything from a warning to taking enforcement action. Our statutes provide for civil penalties, of up to $27,500 per violation."

He said that boarding and exit systems were important aspects that are required. "A disabled traveller should have as seamless an experience as possible."

The announcement came at the sidelines of the Middle East Forum for Accessible Tourism.

The law was drafted in 2004 and finalised in May last year. It gives airlines one year to bring their fleets and systems up to par with the US requirements.

An example of one requirement is that 50% of all aircraft seats must have a movable armrest.

Lehman said that they had received requests from airlines for waivers on particular issues such as this and said the authority was flexible on some of them.

He also said that they would waiver rules that may conflict with an airline's home regulator.

"We are impressed with the interest from the region," Lehman said, referring to how airlines and airports had supported the ease of travel for people with special needs.

Officials emphasised the need for improvement in the niche as the Middle East has almost 35 million people with special needs, and their spending could hike annual turnover to $3 billion.

Jamal Al Hai, director of Strategy and Management Excellence at Dubai Airports said that the airport has a daily request of up to 9,000 wheelchairs.

"We started the programme long ago [of providing special facilities] and we are reaching world standards in this."