Gatwick Airport has been awarded the Accessible Airport Award by ACI Europe for its progress in helping remove the barriers faced by people with disabilities when traveling by air.
The award – presented at the ACI Europe’s Annual Congress in Cyprus – is recognition for Gatwick’s drive to improve its services for passengers with disabilities, including training all frontline staff to recognize and offer appropriate help to passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism and dementia; opening an ‘airline-style lounge’ specifically for passengers with reduced mobility; investing in the UK’s first airport sensory room; and initiating what became a UK-wide hidden disability lanyard scheme, which acts as a discreet signal that a passenger may need a little extra help or time.
The award was also presented in recognition of Gatwick’s contribution to encouraging other airports to introduce similar schemes and initiatives.
Chris Woodroofe, chief operating officer, Gatwick Airport, said, “Our objective is to give every passenger, regardless of any physical or hidden disability, an equal opportunity to fly.
“This award recognizes the significant investment the airport has made into improving our infrastructure, facilities and training. More than anything, however, this award is for our staff and the way they provide world-class assistance to passengers who may require a little extra help when traveling through the airport.”
