Passengers at UK airports have to walk up to a kilometre from check-in desks to reach departure gates, research shows.

Travel organisation Abta warned that many travellers who have difficulty walking only request assistance once they arrive at the airport, which may be too late. This can lead to them havin to make their way across terminals on foot or miss their flight.

The maximum distances from check-in or special assistance desks to departure gates according to Abta include 1,165 metres at Stansted airport, 900 metres at Luton airport, 822 metres at Manchester airport, 750 metres at Glasgow airport and 530 metres at Birmingham airport.

Abta's director of destinations and sustainability, Nikki White, said: "The travel industry is committed to making holidays and other travel arrangements accessible for everyone."

"For most, travelling through airports is a fairly straightforward process, but for those who may find walking longer distances harder to manage, larger airports can present a challenge."

"We would encourage anyone who may need assistance to inform their tour operator or airline no later than 48 hours before they travel so that their journey through the airport will be as comfortable as possible, and they will be able to board their flight with plenty of time to spare."