The CAA on Tuesday (25 April) called for views on a new proposed framework to improve the air travel experience for passengers with accessibility requirements, which would see the authority rank airlines based on their service.

This would encompass the entire passenger journey from booking flight tickets and arriving at the airport through to their onboard experience and any necessary feedback or complaints handling.

Ratings would also consider the ease of requesting assistance and the standard of onboard facilities such as seating and toilets, as well as boarding and disembarking processes, while the broader CAA framework for change would also look at standards for bringing assistance dogs on flights and how airlines handle mobility equipment.

CAA head of consumer Anna Bowles said: "Our proposals to introduce this new framework are about holding airlines to account in meeting their obligations to disabled and less mobile passengers across all aspects of their journey."

Responding to the consultation, Which? director of policy and advocacy Rocio Concha said that while the proposals were welcome, they risked not going far enough. "It’s positive the Civil Aviation Authority is proposing to name and shame airlines who are falling short on accessibility for disabled and less mobile passengers.

"However, to really make an impact and improve the flight experience for these passengers, the regulator will need to be able to take enforcement action against any businesses that don’t comply with consumer law. Disabled passenger rights need to be reviewed and strengthened to ensure staff are properly trained to assist passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

"The government must urgently set out its plans to equip the aviation regulator with greater enforcement powers, so that it can hold airlines and airports to account. Without decisive action, companies will continue to be emboldened to mistreat passengers and neglect their legal responsibilities.”