Belfast International Airport, member of the VINCI Airports network, has received Autism NI’s Impact Award, recognising the Airport’s commitment to creating welcoming and accessible travel for neurodivergent passengers.
The Award involved the roll out of a CPD certified training programme to front-line staff, giving them practical skills and confidence to understand and deliver support across the Airport site.
Working closely with Autism NI, the Airport team has designed a tailored action plan to enhance facilities and foster a more inclusive environment. Alongside dedicated autism champions, handy new travel guides and video content have been developed to make travelling less stressful and a more enjoyable experience.
Dan Owens, Chief Executive at Belfast International Airport said: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved this accreditation from Autism NI. This award is a testament to the dedication of our staff in making travel fully accessible for autistic and neurodivergent passengers. This specialist training was tailored to the needs of the Airport and has instilled confidence and increased key skills for team.
“We are in the process of rolling out further updates across the Airport as we continue to work closely with Autism NI. We have already created a quiet space and are exploring sensory levels. We are also actively working to ensure noise levels can be reduced and lighting intensity can be adjusted as necessary so passengers can feel less anxious and more comfortable throughout their journey.”
Christine Kearney, Director of Development at Autism NI, adds;
“We are delighted that Belfast International Airport has achieved the Impact Award. Through their training and action plan, the organisation has implemented a range of practical and meaningful changes to promote accessibility and support their autistic and neurodivergent customers. We look forward to continuing to work with Belfast International Airport to help them play their part in building an inclusive society.”
Autism NI works alongside autistic people and their families, and builds partnerships that champion better understanding, accessibility, and services for our autism community. The Impact Award is available for a range of organisations, to build their inclusive approach for clients, customers and employees.
