08:18 AM EST, 12/17/2024 (MT Newswires) -- The US Department of Transportation said Monday that it has issued new rules for airlines to accommodate passengers with disabilities, effective Jan. 16.

The new regulations will require airlines to provide "safe and dignified" assistance to passengers with disabilities and mandates enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who assist such passengers or handle their wheelchairs or scooters, according to the department.

Airlines will also be required to provide "prompt" assistance to disabled passengers during boarding, deplaning, or connecting to flights, protect wheelchairs and other assistive devices, and ensure transparency about the rights of disabled passengers.

Additionally, airlines will be required to reimburse passengers for additional expenses in case their wheelchairs are delayed or damaged, the department said.