Minister Anand Champions Accessible Air Travel at ICAO Symposium

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International civil aviation unites the world, fostering connections across borders. Collaborating with international partners is essential to ensuring our skies remain safe, secure, accessible, and sustainable.

The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, delivered remarks today at the Symposium on Accessibility in International Civil Aviation. This event, co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Airports Council International (ACI), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), brings together Member States, industry leaders, and stakeholders to tackle challenges and strengthen global collaboration in making air travel more inclusive.

Minister Anand highlighted the barriers to accessibility that compromise the dignity and safety of travelers with disabilities and reduced mobility. She emphasized the need for the aviation industry to intensify efforts toward a seamless, global approach that ensures accessibility at every stage of the travel experience.

The ultimate goal is a universally accessible aviation system. Including persons with disabilities in the conversations that shape solutions is crucial to overcoming the challenges they face while traveling.

To further this mission, Canada hosted a National Air Accessibility Summit last May, gathering representatives from the disability community and the aviation industry to explore both immediate and long-term strategies for improvement.

Marking ICAO’s 80th anniversary, Minister Anand reaffirmed Canada’s steadfast commitment as a proud host and active member of ICAO, dedicated to advancing a safe, secure, and sustainable global civil aviation system.