A working meeting was held at the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan to discuss measures aimed at improving the accessibility of airport infrastructure and the quality of services provided to persons with disabilities and other passengers with reduced mobility.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan, airports, as well as Gulnara Baimoldina, who oversees issues related to accessibility for persons with disabilities.

The meeting addressed the accessibility of infrastructure at all key stages of a passenger’s journey through the airport — from arrival in the area adjacent to the passenger terminal to the completion of required procedures and access to services inside the terminal.

Particular attention was paid to the provision of designated accessible parking spaces and accessible routes from parking areas to terminals, as well as the installation of curb ramps, accessible entrances, ramps, stairways and lifting platforms. The participants also discussed measures to ensure unobstructed movement throughout passenger terminals.

A separate session focused on the accessibility of information and wayfinding for passengers with visual and hearing impairments. The discussion covered the use of tactile maps and signs, Braille, visual information systems, as well as induction loop systems for people with hearing impairments.

Gulnara Baimoldina emphasised the need to view accessibility not simply as the presence of individual infrastructure elements, but as a continuous and intuitive passenger journey that enables a person to obtain the necessary information, move around independently, or receive timely assistance from airport staff when needed.

The participants also discussed the operation of passenger assistance services, the accessibility of information and enquiry desks, staff training in providing appropriate assistance in different situations, as well as ensuring suitable conditions in mother-and-child rooms.

Airport representatives highlighted the importance of addressing these issues, sharing practical experience, and continuing to improve infrastructure and passenger service procedures.

Following the meeting, airports were recommended to conduct an additional assessment of the condition of their facilities and existing passenger service processes, taking into account the needs of different categories of passengers, and to consider the implementation of modern international accessibility practices.

The Civil Aviation Committee and the Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan will continue their systematic work with airports to improve the accessibility of civil aviation facilities and enhance the quality of services provided to passengers with disabilities and other passengers with reduced mobility.