Air Carrier Access Act Technical Assistance Manual (2005)

Accessibility of Airport Facilities

All terminal facilities and services owned, leased, or operated by a carrier at a commercial service airport, including parking and ground transportation, must comply with the Standards for Accessible Design under the Americans with Disabilities Act. [Sec. 382.23(e)] See also 49 CFR part 37, Appendix A. Carriers must ensure that these terminal facilities and services are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs.¹ Sec. 382.23(b)] For example, carriers must ensure that there is an accessible path between the gate and the boarding area. [Sec. 382.23(c)]

Contracts or leases between carriers and airport operators concerning the use of airport facilities must set forth the respective responsibilities of the parties for the provision of accessible facilities and services to individuals with disabilities as required by law. [Sec.382.23(f)]

Carriers must not (i) restrict the movements of individuals with disabilities in terminals; (ii) require them to remain in a holding area or other location in order to receive assistance; or (iii) mandate separate treatment for individuals with disabilities except as required or permitted under part 382. [Sec. 382.55(c)]