Accessible Air Travel Technology: Six Tools Every Airport Should Use
TLDR:
Accessible air travel technology is reshaping how airports support passengers with disabilities. From assistive apps and enhanced kiosks to wearable alerts and sensory-friendly spaces, today’s tools enable frontline staff to deliver faster, more respectful, and more inclusive service. This guide explores six essential technologies every airport should implement to support confident, independent travel.
1. Assistive Mobile Applications
Smartphones have become essential tools for travellers with disabilities. Apps like Lazarillo provide real-time voice-guided navigation, assisting individuals with visual impairments to navigate unfamiliar environments such as airports. The app offers information about nearby services, facilities, and points of interest, enhancing independence and confidence during travel. For broader examples of accessibility apps, see Scope’s guide to accessibility apps.
2. Wearable Support Decices
Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and LED badges, can discreetly signal specific needs, for instance, boarding alerts for passengers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The Sunflower Lanyard has gained global recognition as a symbol indicating a hidden disability. Airport staff trained to recognise these aids can proactively offer assistance, reducing anxiety and building trust.
3. Enhanced Self-Service Kiosks
Modern check-in kiosks are evolving to be more inclusive. Features like larger touch targets, high-contrast text, voice prompts, and braille labelling cater to a wide range of disabilities. For example, Dolphin’s accessibility guidance highlights how airports like Pearson are incorporating tactile keypads and audio instructions to support travellers with visual impairments.
4. Inclusive Airport Design
Accessible travel extends beyond technology to the physical design of airport spaces. Airports are incorporating tactile pathways, intuitive signage, wider gates, and quiet rooms to accommodate diverse needs. Heathrow Airport offers sensory object packs in all terminals to support passengers with sensory sensitivities. Similarly, Gatwick Airport has launched detailed accessibility guides and features like step-free access and quiet zones to support passengers with disabilities.
5. Automated, Human-Centred Assistance
Virtual agents and in-terminal chatbots can now handle many common questions instantly, such as providing directions to accessible toilets or how to request pre-boarding. These tools should never replace human help but can serve as a first response while staff are on the way. Staff who understand these systems can also help passengers use them more effectively, ensuring quicker support during peak times.
6. AI-Driven Assistance Allocation
Innovative platforms like Ostrum are transforming airport assistance services. By managing assistance bookings and resource allocation, Ostrum enhances operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The platform has been successfully implemented at airports like London Luton and Gatwick, streamlining the coordination between assistance staff and passengers.
How Staff Can Make the Difference
Technology is a tool, but people make the travel experience meaningful. Even the best devices can’t replace the reassurance of an informed, empathetic member of staff. That’s why ongoing airport accessibility training is essential. Knowing how to operate an accessible kiosk or interpret a wearable badge isn’t a bonus, it’s baseline.
When passengers feel understood, they fly more often. That’s good for inclusion and good for business. According to our neurodiversity research, up to 70% of people with disabilities have avoided air travel due to past experiences. Let’s change that by equipping staff with the tools and the confidence to deliver accessible air travel technology with humanity.
Want to Go Further?
We’re building our advisory panel and would love your insight. Whether you’re an airport staff member, a passenger with lived experience, or a policymaker, your voice matters. Join the Access-air-bility Advisory Panel today.
You can also complete our quick feedback form or share your detailed thoughts via our full experience survey. Prefer a conversation? Get in touch through our contact form and we can arrange to speak with you at a convenient time. Let’s work together to create accessible, empowering air travel for all.
References
Access-air-bility: Beyond Compliance Report
Access-air-bility: Neurodiversity in Air Travel Report
Dolphin: Making Self-Service Kiosks Accessible
Future Travel Experience: Ostrum Platform
Gatwick Airport: Accessibility Guides
Heathrow Airport: Non-Visible Disabilities
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Lazarillo App
Scope: Accessibility Apps
