Heidi Alexander said the reforms were intended to give disabled passengers greater confidence when travelling by air and to improve how airlines and airports handle mobility equipment. "People must be able to fly with dignity and peace of mind," she said.
Government figures show that more than 1,000 wheelchairs were damaged during air travel in 2023, averaging more than 80 a month. The recorded rate was 0.43 per cent of wheelchairs carried.
A standardised form introduced in March already lets passengers share wheelchair battery and handling information before they travel. A digital platform for sharing passengers' support needs in advance, such as buggy assistance or a quiet waiting area, will also be trialled.
The programme brings airlines, airports and mobility-equipment manufacturers together in what the Department for Transport describes as a UK-first partnership. Staff training has been strengthened and designed with disabled passengers, so that people do not have to repeatedly explain their needs.
The Civil Aviation Bill would remove the compensation cap for wheelchairs lost or damaged on UK domestic flights and strengthen the Civil Aviation Authority's enforcement powers. A consultation is planned within 12 months of Royal Assent.
The measures combine practical changes with proposed legal reform, although several elements still require trials, consultation or parliamentary approval before they take full effect.
