Canadian airlines adopt medical form for complex health needs

Four major Canadian airlines have jointly adopted a common air travel requirements form for passengers with complex health needs, the National Airlines Council of Canada announced this week.

Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet will use the standardized form in response to a key recommendation from the 2024 federal Air Accessibility Summit.

The form harmonizes an existing requirement that was previously different among NACC member airlines. 

By enabling one completed form to be used for travel with multiple airlines, the initiative reduces administrative burden for travellers and healthcare professionals, and provides a more consistent booking experience when complex health factors are involved.

The standardized form brings no new requirements for passengers with complex health needs. 

The form was developed in collaboration with members of the Canadian accessibility community.

"As a key recommendation from the 2024 Air Accessibility Summit, aligning on a common form not only demonstrates our airlines' commitment to listening, but reflects our members' dedication to making air travel more accessible for all Canadians," said Jeff Morrison, president and CEO of NACC.

Stephanie Cadieux, chief accessibility officer of Canada, welcomed the collaborative effort.  

"It's encouraging to see NACC member airlines working together, in recognition of this common barrier. I applaud their commitment to ongoing consultation with those most affected, and I look forward to more collective efforts to improve accessibility in air travel."

Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon said the adoption of a single form represents progress on accessibility. 

"Fully accessible air travel is essential to ensuring that all Canadians can travel safely, independently and with dignity. Last year, we brought industry leaders and persons with disabilities together in an unprecedented way through our Accessibility Summit," he said. 

"Today, four major airlines are adopting a single, common medical form making travel easier for Canadians with disabilities. This shared commitment to barrier-free air travel raises the bar for inclusivity, and strengthens a transportation system that serves everyone."

Morrison said NACC members will continue working to improve accessibility. 

"Members of the National Airlines Council of Canada are committed to improving the accessibility of air travel for all persons through the ongoing identification and removal of barriers. We will continue working with all stakeholders to improve the passenger experience," he said.

The standardized form is one component of NACC member airlines' efforts to improve air travel for people with complex health requirements. 

Airlines will continue to consult with members of the accessibility community to make further improvements.

The form became available from all participating airlines on December 3, 2025. It can be accessed at:

• Air Canada (including Jazz): www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/accessibility.html
• Air Transat: www.airtransat.com/en-CA/travel-information/special-services/accessibility-special-needs-and-medical-equipment
• WestJet: www.westjet.com/en-ca/special-needs

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.