Cardiff Airport has once again been recognised for the quality of its support for disabled passengers, keeping its ‘Very Good’ rating in the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s latest Airport Accessibility Report.
The annual assessment, covering April 2025 to March 2026, reviews how the UK’s busiest airports support travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Cardiff Airport maintained the same top-tier rating it achieved last year, placing it among 19 airports nationwide judged to be delivering ‘Very Good’ assistance services.
The regulator’s report highlights a sharp rise in the number of people needing support when travelling. A record 5.9 million passengers used assistance services at UK airports in 2025 — a trend that continues to grow faster than overall passenger numbers.
Cardiff Airport was one of five airports visited for a detailed “deep dive” assessment, with inspectors observing assistance services in operation and reviewing facilities, processes and staff training.
Across the UK, 19 airports were rated ‘Very Good ’, and nine were rated ‘Good’. Crucially, no airports fell into the ‘Needs Improvement’ or ‘Poor’ categories, marking a significant shift from 2014 when 13 airports were rated at the lowest levels.
The Civil Aviation Authority says sustained investment in staff training, equipment and accessible facilities has driven standards up over the past decade.
Despite the progress, the regulator notes that disabled passengers still face barriers. Its latest Aviation Consumer Survey found overall satisfaction with air travel at 88 per cent, but satisfaction among passengers with accessibility needs was lower at 82 percent. More than half of disabled respondents reported difficulties using airports or flying, particularly around walking, standing and handling luggage.
Anna Bowles, Head of Consumer Protection at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said “The progress made in improving airport accessibility over the last decade is encouraging. Through our annual assessments, we have challenged airports to raise standards, increase transparency and focus on the needs of disabled passengers.
“The fact that no airport was rated 'Needs Improvement' or 'Poor' this year is welcome, but we cannot be complacent. Some disabled passengers still face difficulties when travelling, and with demand for assistance services continuing to rise, airports must continue to invest in assistance services.”
She added that proposed changes in the Civil Aviation Bill would give the regulator stronger enforcement powers to hold airports to account on accessibility standards.
Cardiff Airport’s continued ‘Very Good’ rating places it alongside airports including Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and London City. The regulator says its assessments — including on-site observations at around 1,400 flights — show that the airport is meeting the needs of passengers who require support, even as demand continues to rise.
If you’d like, I can also produce a shorter social version or a sidebar summarising Cardiff Airport’s accessibility performance.

Open Doors event to showcase hidden world of Glamorgan Archives
New details have emerged of a new tree-lined public square that will replace a traffic dominated junction. v.1
Dyffryn Gardens’ Edwardian rose garden blooms again after decade-long restoration
Barry’s Own Daniel White to Walk 190 Miles Back to Where His Round Table Story Began
1,300 people attend Flying Start Family Fun Day
Dispersal order put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour
Interim Chief Executive Appointed at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff Theatre Marks 50 Years of Service for Long‑Standing Staff Member
Council to review use of GP letters as evidence for disability claims
Plans have been put in place to redevelop a complex with more than 20 flats
Vale Council Reaccredited Under White Ribbon Scheme as Part of Ongoing Work to Tackle Violence Against Women and Girls
Two Vale Restaurants Among Those Set to Close as Whitbread Shuts Brewers Fayre and Beefeater Chains
Vale Council Issues Safety Warning After Gas Canisters Found in Household Recycling
Cogan Primary School Praised for its Inclusive Culture and Strong Leadership in Estyn Inspection
Senedd Members Call to Tackle Substance Use Stigma
Calls for Welsh Government to Match England's Pub Business Rates Cut
Caerdydd Penarth MS backs campaign to make rail station more accessible
Barry Waterfront Regeneration Project Moves a Step Closer
Age Cymru Responds to VAT cut to household electricity bills