Airport unveils pre-flight sensory space to relax passengers prone to stress
A sensory space to help passengers with various issues relax before flights has been created by Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
The airport and its passenger assistance partner, ABM, opened the facility in the departure lounge to help those passengers with sensory or cognitive impairment to relax and acclimatise to the busy airport environment before they fly off.
The sensory space cost more than £35,000 to develop and offers a calming, therapeutic and relaxing space for children and adults with autism and other special needs and has been created in partnership with local community business Autism Adventures and Alder Hey hospital, with its specialist advice helping to create the space.
Having topped the latest 2023 Which? UK Airport survey in recognition of its high levels of customer satisfaction, the airport said it is not just able-bodied passengers that it has been working hard to give the best possible passenger experience to – it has also been focusing on the needs of those passengers often deterred from travelling by air due to a range of disabilities, helping to make air travel accessible to all.
LJLA Sensory Room
The development of a sensory space forms part of work carried out in partnership with a host of disability organisations who provide advice and support, including many that specialise in hidden disabilities.
The airport also works closely with its passenger assistance provider ABM, which helps to make the journey through the airport for passengers requiring assistance, as pleasant and relaxed as possible whatever their needs.
LJLA has been rated as offering the highest ‘Very Good’ service by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in its latest report on airport services across the UK for disabled and less mobile passengers.
The Sensory Space is wheelchair accessible and is located near to the picnic area in the departure lounge and is open for bookings to be made between 0800 to 1800 daily.
Paul Staples, operations director for LJLA, said: “We know that heading off on holiday and being able to enjoy the journey can be challenging for some of our passengers, particularly families with someone who has a sensory or cognitive impairment.
“This space is a great facility and we would like to thank Autism Adventures and Alder Hey Hospital for all their help and advice in creating this space, which we’re confident will make a difference, helping families have a more relaxed start to their journey.”
He added: “By working with a host of disability organisations, we have continued the work we have been doing to enable passengers with a wide range of disabilities to take advantage of flying from Liverpool.”
Jim Niblock, ABM Aviation managing director, said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with Liverpool John Lennon Airport and introduce a sensory space to help passengers with sensory or cognitive impairment. ABM is dedicated to ensuring the airport experience is positive for everyone, and this new setting reaffirms our commitment to inclusivity.”
The Sensory Space is free to use by families, but passengers need to book use of the facility in advance and are asked to contact the Customer Services team at the airport to book a time.
