In order to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities, persons with reduced mobility or the elderly, the European Union has ordered the adoption of Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 in all Community airports, which provides for common rules on dedicated assistance in order to ensure free movement by air without discrimination and without additional costs. At Ancona airport, this task is entrusted to Ancona International Airport S.p.a. in its capacity as Airport Manager.
In order to provide a service that meets your needs and complies with flight safety requirements, you must submit your request to the Airline at the time of booking or no later than 48 hours before your flight. The number of passengers who can be assisted on a single flight is limited, and it may not be possible to use this service without a confirmed booking.
When booking, please specify the type of assistance you require and indicate any medical condition you may have, as the Airline may require you to produce a certificate of fitness to fly.
Specify whether you will need to use mobility aids provided by the airport or whether you intend to use your own equipment. Should you use battery-powered equipment, please follow the Airline’s guidelines and specify the type, model and size of the equipment and the type of power supply, as there may be restrictions as to boarding operations and transportation or special requirements. Transport of mobility aids is normally free of charge, but it is advisable to check for any special instructions from the Airline.
Passengers who are not self-sufficient with regard to the intake of food and medication and the use of toilets or who are unable to interact with the flight attendants may be required to be accompanied by a carer.
Passengers with plastered limbs must also notify the Airline of their condition and check in advance the conditions of carriage, including the production of a certificate of fitness to fly.
The passenger must always refer to the Airline, which will inform the airport operator of the assistance to be provided, for all needs.
Types of assistance provided
Below are the standards used to define the different types of disability and their relative needs:
WCHR: the passenger can independently walk on board, go up and down the stairs, but needs help in reaching the aircraft and inside the terminal.
WCHS: the passenger can walk independently on board, but requires assistance going up and down stairs and moving around the terminal.
WCHC: the passenger needs assistance while on board, during boarding and disembarking and when moving around the terminal.
DEAF: a passenger with a hearing disability.
BLIND: a passenger who is either blind or visually impaired.
DPNA: a passenger with intellectual or behavioural impairment.
The Airline may not deny a passenger a booking or boarding on the grounds of their disability or reduced mobility. The ENAC publication “Mobility with Disability” summarises the relevant legislation.
At the airport
In order to be able to benefit from the assistance you require, you must arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Passengers with reduced mobility are allowed to arrive directly in front of the terminal with their own vehicle. A system for calling assistance staff is available in front of the departure terminal, in the short-stay car park and on the ground floor of the long-stay car park.
Vehicles authorised for use by people with disabilities are offered free parking in the new car park. To use the service, please produce the coupon you collected at the entrance together with the parking sticker at the cashier’s desk in the Departure terminal.
Those who need help can request the use of a wheelchair at the call points. Inside the terminal, departing passengers with reduced mobility should go to the check-in desks, where assistance will be arranged according to the user’s needs. An attendant will accompany you to the security checkpoint and then to the boarding gate.
Dedicated toilets for people with disabilities are available in the public areas, boarding lounges and baggage claim area inside the Departure and Arrival halls.
Arriving passengers with reduced mobility will be escorted from the aircraft to the drop-off points.
Airport assistance will in any case be adapted to the passenger’s degree of mobility, consistently with what has been booked or confirmed through the Airline.
