Over the past decade, the aviation industry has made significant progress in improving accessibility for passengers with special needs, particularly those with hidden disabilities such as autism. Air travel can be especially challenging for neurodivergent travellers due to crowded, high-sensory environments. A survey by Autism Travel revealed that 78 per cent of families are hesitant to travel or visit new places, while 94 per cent of respondents said they would take more vacations if staff were autism-trained and certified.
Industry Response
The industry appears to be listening. Airports around the world are introducing sensory rooms and quiet spaces, alongside specialised staff training to better support passengers with non-visible disabilities. Many airports and airlines, including British Airways and Aer Lingus, recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme, offering priority access and additional assistance where needed.
Virgin Atlantic's New Initiative
Now, ahead of the busy summer season, Virgin Atlantic is taking further steps to support neurodivergent travellers by training all cabin crew on how to assist passengers with autism and their families. The airline is partnering with Autism Double-Checked, an organisation that helps travel companies become more autism-friendly, with the programme set to be incorporated into Virgin Atlantic's annual training.
Becky Woodmansee, chief people officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: 'We know that for autistic customers and their families, flying can be a unique and unfamiliar environment which presents challenges. By listening to our customers and working with autism travel specialists Autism Double-Checked, alongside our own people who have personal experience of autism, we’ve built a training programme that gives every crew member the understanding and confidence to make a real difference onboard.'
Other Airlines Leading the Way
British Airways
British Airways was the first UK airline to officially recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. Staff are trained to recognise non-visible disabilities and provide appropriate assistance. The airline also became the first UK carrier to receive an Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society and offers specialised visual flight guides for autistic passengers. In 2018, British Airways launched its 'Beyond Accessibility' campaign, its largest global accessibility training programme, providing customer-facing staff with digital learning tools covering visible and non-visible disabilities.
Emirates
In April 2025, Emirates became the world's first Autism Certified Airline. Ground staff and cabin crew complete focused autism and sensory awareness training covering the autism spectrum, common misconceptions, sensory triggers and personalised support techniques. Emirates also introduced digital 'sensory guides' to help travellers understand and prepare for sensory experiences throughout Dubai Airport and onboard flights, including lighting, noise and smells.
Aer Lingus
As of early 2025, Aer Lingus introduced training to help staff better support passengers with autism, anxiety and ADHD. The airline partnered with the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support to create visual, step-by-step travel guides for passengers to follow before, during and after a flight. Aer Lingus also offers early boarding, additional assistance through its Special Assistance Request Form, and works with airports including Belfast City Airport to host practice airport experiences for families before travelling.
JetBlue
JetBlue runs its 'Blue Horizons for Autism' programme in partnership with The Charles River Center, helping train crew members to support passengers with special needs. The airline also offers sensory kits and hosts 'Wings for Autism' practice boarding events, allowing families to experience the airport and boarding process before flying.
LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines has trained more than 10,000 employees through Autism Double-Checked certification programmes focused on supporting passengers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The airline provides specialised travel guides, practical boarding simulations and has implemented the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme.
Breeze Airways
In 2024, Breeze Airways became the first US commercial airline certified by Autism Double-Checked. Flight attendants, pilots and customer-facing ground staff receive specialised training on supporting neurodivergent passengers and identifying sensory sensitivities. The airline also hosts practice boarding events and introduced an 'Autism Passport', allowing passengers to share specific needs before flying.
Jet2
Jet2 provides training for cabin crew and customer helpers on supporting passengers with hidden disabilities, including autism. The airline also offers assisted travel services such as priority boarding and tailored support, which can be arranged in advance to help create a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.
