No flights without AEDs: mandate defibrillators for all UK airlines
No flights without AEDs: mandate defibrillators for all UK airlines
The Issue
In 2022, diagnosed with heart conditions, I suddenly became acutely aware of how crucial public health measures are — and how easily they can be overlooked.
One of the most shocking revelations was that UK airlines are not legally required to carry defibrillators.
Every year in the UK, over 30,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals. Yet there is currently no legal requirement for UK commercial airlines to carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Many airlines do so voluntarily, but without regulation there’s no guarantee of regular checks, maintenance, or even that a device will be on board when it’s needed most.
This lack of legal accountability leaves passengers vulnerable — and lives at risk.
Why this matters:
Medical emergencies happen — especially on long-haul flights, where help may be hours away. Quick access to an AED within the first few seconds or minutes of a cardiac arrest can be the difference between life and death.
Other countries, including the United States, already mandate AEDs on all commercial flights. The UK should do the same. The technology is small, reliable, and inexpensive — but its impact is enormous.
What we’re asking for:
I am calling on the UK Government, the Secretary of State for Transport, and the Civil Aviation Authority to pass legislation requiring every UK commercial passenger flight to carry at least one fully maintained AED — with mandatory crew training and regular inspection.
Join me in calling for change. Sign and share the petition, and help ensure every traveller's safety by mandating defibrillators on all UK aircraft.
Let’s make every flight a safe flight.
Your support could save a life — maybe even your own. ❤️🩹
#NoFlightsWithoutAEDs
32,411
The Issue
In 2022, diagnosed with heart conditions, I suddenly became acutely aware of how crucial public health measures are — and how easily they can be overlooked.
One of the most shocking revelations was that UK airlines are not legally required to carry defibrillators.
Every year in the UK, over 30,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals. Yet there is currently no legal requirement for UK commercial airlines to carry automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Many airlines do so voluntarily, but without regulation there’s no guarantee of regular checks, maintenance, or even that a device will be on board when it’s needed most.
This lack of legal accountability leaves passengers vulnerable — and lives at risk.
Why this matters:
Medical emergencies happen — especially on long-haul flights, where help may be hours away. Quick access to an AED within the first few seconds or minutes of a cardiac arrest can be the difference between life and death.
Other countries, including the United States, already mandate AEDs on all commercial flights. The UK should do the same. The technology is small, reliable, and inexpensive — but its impact is enormous.
What we’re asking for:
I am calling on the UK Government, the Secretary of State for Transport, and the Civil Aviation Authority to pass legislation requiring every UK commercial passenger flight to carry at least one fully maintained AED — with mandatory crew training and regular inspection.
Join me in calling for change. Sign and share the petition, and help ensure every traveller's safety by mandating defibrillators on all UK aircraft.
Let’s make every flight a safe flight.
Your support could save a life — maybe even your own. ❤️🩹
#NoFlightsWithoutAEDs
32,411
The Decision Makers
No response
No response
- Heidi Alexander
The Secretary of State for Transport
No response
Supporter Voices
Featured Comments
As a disabled man in his 50’s, born with a dicky ticker & undiagnosed until my mid thirties when I went to the doctor about a serious hip problem & he asked to check my heart & sent me to a cardiologist (diagnosed DCM Dilated Cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation & early obstructive airways disease) I am shocked that this is not already law… but noth...
As a former nurse and mother of an anaesthetist , I believe it is imperative to have defibrillators on all aeroplanes. It will determine the outcome of a life and death situation. Without them any person who has a cardiac arrest is liable to die. With a defibrillator their chances of survival are significantly higher with the use of a defibrillat...
I used to volunteer with the ambulance service as a first responder and have twice been part of saving a life through use of a defibrillator. I was instrumental in getting an AED in our village and am really surprised that they are not compulsory on all aeroplanes and trains. There is now access to an AED in most towns and villages in the UK. It s...
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Petition created on 6 October 2025