Rights of air passengers with reduced mobility (PRM)

Enjoy the highest accessibility during your flight: Istanbul Airport and airlines hosted in IST guarantee top-level PRM rights regulation and maintenance

Istanbul International Airport (IST) > About > PRM

PRM Meaning

Our world is open to everyone, no matter which peculiarities your physical or mental states have. Do you know that being included in the categories of reduced mobility people doesn’t limit you in your air journey? Today, most airlines and airports do their best to meet the special needs of passengers with reduced mobility. Who does this category include and which options are accessible for passengers travelling by air? Let’s learn more about the PRM assistance services and special opportunities on the example of Istanbul Airports and the services provided by it and each airline hosted in IGA. First, who are people with reduced mobility, according to aircraft rules? We have collected the main specific features of persons with disability and their colloquial abbreviations in a convenient table.

Passenger type

Description

MEDA

Is a common term for a passenger who requires more than simply assistance but needs medical support during their flight and special emergency equipment to maintain their well-being and avoid health threats (i.e., persons who need oxygen, injured passengers, patients flying after surgery under medical surveillance, etc.).

STCR

Refers to a person who is transported on stretchers.

WCHR

The term that is used for a passenger who needs a wheelchair and can be transported using it when boarding from a ramp or cannot walk long distances.

WCHS

It is similar to the previous one and indicating a person that boards the needs a wheelchair to move up and down the stairs.

WCHC

The difference is that a person requires a wheelchair not only when boarding or disembarking the aircraft, but also during the flight to sit in it in the aircraft’s cabin.

WCBD/WCBW

These are abbreviations that inform the flight crew and assistance personnel about wheelchairs with dry or wet battery power.

MAAS

Are not typically disabled people but these passengers need some special assistance when they board the aircraft, disembark from it, and during the flight. This passenger type refers to pregnant and nursing people, seniors, convalescent people, etc.

BLND

Signals about a passenger with a disability due to visual impairments.

DEAF

A passenger that has hearing impairments.

INF

Refers to infants.

OXYG

Is a term indicating the information that a passenger requires oxygen during their flights.

Rights of passengers with reduced mobility

Despite difficulties a traveler with a disability may face during their travelling by air, today, airports and airlines provide unique rights to people that need assistance. This scope of rights is outlined in the European Union Regulation (EC) #1107/2006. These regulations guarantee disabled people assistance when they board the aircraft, disembark from it, and during their journey as well. The general rules for passengers with disabilities’ rights protection are as follows:

Airline operators should provide all the passengers with limited mobility with assistance and guarantee them accessible facilities at the airport and on the aircraft.
Both airports and airlines develop a policy that ensures assistance to passengers with limited mobility. This policy can include the engagement of dedicated and trained staff that provides the necessary assistance and management to disabled people on board and throughout the airport to help them travel easily.

The necessary assistance can be provided if you opt for it from your airline 48 hours before your scheduled flight. This can be done in person at the airline’s office or usually similar services are available to be asked for at the company’s website.

Istanbul International Airport facilities for passengers with disabilities

Istanbul Airport also provides special help and services accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. The service pack for visitors with reduced mobility includes the following options:

Meet and greet services for disabled guests and passengers with reduced mobility. They include meeting in front of the gate, a wheelchair with a companion to assist, check-in assistance, and private transfer to and from the airport. The service can be booked online via email.
Respective assistance services from airlines that are available at HAVAIST.
Airport’s assistance call point that you can find on the departure floor near the terminal entrance/exit gate.
Accessible toilets and adult changing facilities with improved safety.
Special video call center that provides sign language to passengers to make it possible for them to travel safely and easily.
Sunflower Lanyard points that offer information and help to people with invisible/intellectual disabilities.
Special passenger service points that provide a safe place for disabled passengers at the check-in area with charging stations for electric wheelchairs and convenient zones designed for persons with prostheses.

So, you can find the highest safety and comfort at Istanbul International Airport in case you belong to disabled customers or you want to be accompanied by an assistant to cope with your layover and departure time routines at IST.

FAQs

As usual, a disabled passenger may have multiple questions concerning the safety and convenience of their aviation travel. We’ll get them answered further to help you search for the service you need.

How can I obtain special assistance with the handling of passengers with reduced mobility?

You can either contact your airline operator before your flight to get more information and book assistance with transport and support or opt for the assistance services right at the airport.

How can disabled passengers use the lavatory when flying?

If you need to visit a lavatory when you are on the board of a civil aircraft, you can contact the airline and notify them about your disability and the need for an assistant to accompany you.

What if the plane does not have a comfortable toilet?

That seems to be a pity. Yet, you can get information about the aircraft’s convenience before your flight.