Aberdeen Airport has issued a message on its website urging travellers with hidden disabilities to request assistance and use Sunflower lanyards or cards for discreet identification. The airport understands the stress flying can cause and notes that its teams are trained to help those with hidden disabilities.
How to Request Assistance
Early notification is encouraged so staff can be fully prepared. Passengers should first request assistance through their airline or travel agent and ensure their booking is marked as DPNA assistance. The airport adds: "You should also ask the airline or travel agent to add a comment describing the assistance required. This will enable us to better understand how we can help."
Sunflower Lanyard Program
Passengers with a hidden disability can request a Sunflower lanyard or card at the airport, which discreetly alerts staff that additional support may be needed. The airport explains: "If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, we will be happy to provide you with a Sunflower lanyard (and/or card) which will discreetly identify you to airport staff as requiring additional support."
Front line teams, including Security Officers, are trained to recognise these lanyards and offer assistance. Lanyards can be requested in advance by contacting the Duty Manager team at abzadm@aiairport.com or at the airport's Assistance desk. Alternatively, passengers can email prmaberdeen@abm.com to contact the assistance provider in advance.
Supported Conditions
The airport provides support for hidden disabilities including autism, dementia, hearing loss, learning disabilities, and mental health impairments such as anxiety. It states: "We are working in partnership with the relevant local and national organisations to ensure that the service we provide is both appropriate and beneficial."
About the Sunflower Lanyard
According to Hidden Disabilities, the Sunflower is a tool for voluntarily sharing that you have a non-apparent condition and may need help, understanding, or more time. One in six people worldwide live with a disability, approximately 1.3 billion people. The organisation notes: "While some of us experience a disability that is visible, many have a non-apparent condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-apparent conditions. These disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent."
Since its launch in 2016, the Sunflower network has grown to include over 300 airports, rail networks, bus services, ferry operators, education providers, healthcare services, government bodies, football clubs, theme parks, theatres, and financial institutions. The Sunflower is now available in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE, and the USA.
