On May 18, in Danang, USAID’s Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities project held a policy dialogue with Ministry of Transportation (MOT), three airlines operating in Vietnam, and 14 airport authorities to address the barriers faced by passengers with disabilities, and ways to improve the accessibility and make the airports more inclusive.

Representatives of disabled organizations from across Vietnam discussed challenges faced during air travel including inaccessible restroom at airport, limited information service, difficulties in booking ticket, elevators and seat assignments.  Immediately after the meeting, when  returning to Hanoi, passengers with disabilities noticed the positive changes made by Danang airport authorities to accommodate their needs: a special desk assigned for passengers with special needs, persons with disabilities were not asked to sign the "disclaimer of warranty" which they had to do before; and disabled passengers were assigned to seats that fit with their needs and their health conditions; previously, passengers with disabilities were often seated at the back of the airplane which is dangerous and inconvenient to those who are unable use their legs to keep the balance.

The project will continue to work with MOT, airline and airport authorities on other accessibility issues, such as booking assistance, orientation and information in the airports, accessible restrooms and elevators.