Gatwick airport has been awarded the Accessible Airport Award by Airports Council International (ACI), recognising the progress the airport has made in improving services for passengers with a disability.
The award recognises Gatwick’s investment in services, facilities and staff training to improve the airport experience for disable passengers, as well as its effort in encouraging other airports to introduce similar schemes.
“Our objective is to give every passenger, regardless of any physical or hidden disability, an equal opportunity to fly,” said Chris Woodroofe, Chief Operating Officer, Gatwick Airport.
“This award recognises the significant investment the airport has made into improving our infrastructure, facilities and training. More than anything this award is for our staff and the way they provide world-class assistance to passengers who may require a little extra help when travelling through the airport.”
Among the services offered for passengers with a disability are: staff training to know how to deal with hidden disabilities such as autism and dementia, a lounge specifically for passengers with reduced mobility, the UK’s first airport sensory room and the introduction of a disability lanyard scheme to identify passengers in need of help.
The award was presented at the ACI’s Annual Congress, where VINCI Airports also ratified ACI Europe’s commitment to achieve net zero CO2 emissions (i.e. without the use of offset) by 2050.
