Cullen welcomes disabled air passengers deal

The European Union has agreed new regulations making it illegal for airlines to prevent people from using their planes because of disability or age.

At a meeting of the European Council of Ministers in Luxembourg, agreement was also reached to start formal talks with the United States on an open skies policy.

The access deal guarantees disabled people the right to receive assistance free of charge both at airports and on aircraft.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said the agreement meant all travellers were now guaranteed "full and free access" to services.

"Heretofore, a person in a wheelchair may have had to pay an additional charge when travelling by air because of their disability" he said.

Last year, Ryanair imposed a levy of 50c on all tickets to cover the cost of providing wheelchairs for passengers.

The airline and the British Airport Authority at Stansted were found guilty last December of unlawfully discriminating against a disabled man by charging him for the use of a wheelchair.

The 54-year-old man, who suffered from cerebral palsy and arthritis, was charged £18 (€26) for the use of a wheelchair for a Ryanair flight from Stansted to Perpignan in March 2002.

Ryanair cut the levy in half following the ruling. It will now have to remove it altogether or face penalties.

Under the deal, intending passengers requiring assistance will have to notify the airline 48 hours in advance of flying. It will be the airline's responsibility to inform the relevant airports.

On the open skies negotiations, Mr Cullen said a deal was vital for Ireland's aviation industry. "We need certainty for Shannon in order to allow it to plan its future growth," he said. "Equally, Aer Lingus must have greater access to the critical American marketplace."

Aer Lingus would benefit hugely from an open skies policy, as it would be allowed to operate a large range of new routes to the United States. Such a deal would likely raise the airline's value ahead of the proposed Government sell-off.

Previous talks between the EU and United States broke down in June 2004, with the EU arguing it was not offered enough access to the US market. It is hoped a deal can be agreed within 18 months.