The evaluation of barrier-free airports for disabled passengers: The example of Erzincan Airport

Abstract

Purpose: Erzincan Airport, which has the ’Barrier-Free Airport’ certificate, has been evaluated by disabled passengers using the airport area that is mentioned. It is aimed to put forward the existing facilities and the shortcomings, if any, that the disabled passengers can benefit from at the airport together with the solution suggestions with the example of Erzincan Airport, which was granted “Barrier-Free Airport” certificate by GDCA (General Directorate of Civil Aviation) on 13.08.2012.Design/methodology: Within the scope of the study, it is aimed to observe how suitable the areas are for the usage of disabled passengers by examining the areas for disabled passengers at the airport and supporting the examinations with photographs. In the second stage, individuals with disabilities who have used Erzincan Airport were found and asked to conduct interviews with them and explain their experiences in the first hand. In addition to this, it is aimed to have solution suggestions for the studies about how to improve the existing services and by gathering the opinions of the authorized personnel, the opinions of the disabled individuals who have used the airport and the opinions of the researchers.Findings: According to the results of the study, it is seen that Erzincan Airport has many qualities in spite of some deficiencies within the scope of ’Barrier-Free Airport’’. Periodic inspections by the relevant institutions will be beneficial in terms of eliminating the existing deficiencies and using the airport effectively and efficiently. Changes and designs made at the airport should also be evaluated for disabled passengers.Originality/Value: The adequacy of the airports within the scope of the Barrier-Free Airport project can be better analyzed by disabled passengers. Thus, deficiencies and inadequacies can be revealed clearly. The adequacy of Erzincan Airport, which is evaluated by direct disabled passengers, within the scope of Barrier-Free Airports' can be clearly measured.