New rules to give disabled and elderly travelers equal access at European Union airports will come into force at the weekend, the European Commission said on Thursday.

"The phasing in of these rules will put an end to discrimination and give disabled and elderly passengers the help they need when traveling," Transport Commissioner Antonio Tajani told reporters.

The regulation will from July 26 prohibit European carriers and operators from refusing passengers boarding a flight because of a disability or reduced mobility.

Airports will have to provide equipment and assistance and people with reduced mobility will board aircraft ahead of other passengers.