The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan discussed issues related to the accessibility of air transport for passengers with special needs. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, domestic airlines and airports, as well as public organisations and inclusive communities representing the interests of persons with disabilities and other passengers with special needs.

The participants discussed the improvement of regulatory requirements, statistics on services provided to passengers with special needs, as well as practical aspects of interaction between airlines, airports and service providers – including with a view to implementing the "Law and Order" principle. Airports also shared their practical experience in improving infrastructure accessibility and the quality of passenger services.

Representatives of Almaty International Airport and Astana International Airport presented the approaches and practical solutions they apply in serving passengers with special needs.

The participants discussed the specific aspects of transporting wheelchairs and other mobility aids, including arrangements for their safe transportation and coordination among all parties involved in the air transport process.

An important part of the meeting was the discussion of issues and proposals raised by representatives of inclusive communities. Gulnara Akhmoldina, Freelance Adviser to the Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Expert Adviser at the JSC Labour Resources Development Centre; Nuriya Baltabaykyzy, Chairperson of the National Association “AUTISM KAZAKHSTAN” and Authorised Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Federation of Autism of Turkic States; and Zhanagul Dilzhanova, Adviser to the Chairperson of the NGO “DOS” Independent Living Centre, shared their practical experience. The participants raised a number of pressing issues faced by passengers with special needs when using air transport.

The meeting participants emphasised the need to continue systematic dialogue among government authorities, airlines, airports and representatives of inclusive communities. At the same time, when improving regulatory requirements and service procedures, it is important to take into account the practical experience and actual needs of passengers themselves.

To further coordinate efforts and develop common approaches to ensuring the accessibility of airport infrastructure and the quality of services for persons with disabilities and other persons with reduced mobility, the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, has initiated the establishment of a joint working group comprising representatives of government authorities, airports, airlines and inclusive communities.

The working group will analyse existing requirements and service practices, identify problem areas, develop common approaches to serving passengers with special needs, and prepare proposals to improve the accessibility of airport infrastructure and services, as well as coordination among all relevant stakeholders.