Assistance Dogs Now Welcome At Birmingham Airport

Monday 27th October 2008

http://www.compare-airport-parking.co.uk/gallery/full/bhx11a.jpg

Birmingham Airport passengers that suffer from visual impairments will now be able to travel through the airport with greater ease after it was announced that assistance dogs are welcome.

The new rules are set to benefit those passengers with sight problems as they will be able to travel through the whole airport with the assistance of their dog. The One Complete Solution (OCS) group that are already responsible for caring for passengers with mobility problems at the airport will take charge of the new process.

The reasons behind the new rules are due to a recent piece of EU legislation that now permits guide dogs to be allowed on flights on a number of routes. This new rule is set to greatly enhance the experience of passing through the airport for those passengers with sight problems. When passenger with a guide dog arrive at the airport the vaccination history of the canine will be checked and additional assistance will be provided for guide dogs and thir owners who will be met and taken through the airport terminal upon arrival by a member of staff.

Speaking about the new regulations was John Morris, Head of Corporate Affairs who said;

"Being able to welcome assistance dogs here will make it even easier for those with visual impairments to use the Midlands’ premier airport. The Airport team has worked with a number of partners to make this project a success and we look forward to welcoming many more assistance dogs through Birmingham in the coming months."

The airport does request that those passengers who are to be travelling with a guide or assistance dog contact the airline or tour operator before they travel to ensure the correct procedures are in place to deal with their visit.