Jeddah Airports Launches Hidden Disabilities Support Program

Jeddah Airports Company has launched the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program across the terminals of King Abdulaziz International Airport, reaffirming its commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing a more accessible and seamless travel experience for all passengers

The globally recognized program supports individuals with non-visible disabilities, health conditions and neurodivergent differences It uses the internationally recognized Sunflower symbol allowing passengers to discreetly indicate that they may require additional time assistance or understanding during their journey

The program aims to enhance accessibility, and inclusive services empower passengers to communicate their needs in a simple nonverbal way and promote a culture of empathy and support among airport staff It will be available at key locations across the airport including check-in counters information and customer service desks and dedicated passenger assistance points

The launch reflects Jeddah Airports' continued efforts to elevate the passenger experience and adopt global best practices in accessibility and inclusive services for all members of society, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and improve services for citizens, residents, and visitors

Commenting on the launch Eng Mazen Johar Chief Executive Officer of Jeddah Airports said At Jeddah Airports we are committed to providing a comfortable and accessible travel experience for every passenger by introducing programs that enhance the quality and inclusiveness of our services in line with international best practices

He added Adopting the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program reflects our continued commitment to delivering an exceptional travel experience for every passenger travelling through King Abdulaziz International Airport It also enables passengers with hidden disabilities to navigate the airport with greater ease and dignity while increasing employee awareness of their needs helping us deliver a more inclusive and integrated travel experience

Andy Faulkner Chief Executive Officer of Topland the exclusive partner of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program in the Middle East said We are truly delighted to welcome Jeddah Airports and King Abdulaziz International Airport to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program community This is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities

He added The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program helps people feel seen understood and supported by providing a simple way for them to discreetly communicate that they may need additional assistance patience or understanding during their journey We are proud to partner with Jeddah Airports on this important journey and excited to see the positive difference this program will make for passengers families and airport teams Together we can continue building a more accessible and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global program supporting individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions, and neurodivergence. Since its inception in the UK in 2016, the program has expanded worldwide, working with organizations across a diverse range of sectors, including retail, financial services, transportation, travel and tourism, education, healthcare, emergency services, and entertainment, including more than 285 airports across 30 countries.

The Sunflower symbol provides individuals with a discreet and voluntary way to indicate that they have a non-visible disability, health condition, or neurodivergence and may need additional assistance, understanding, time, or space. This simple, non-verbal method empowers individuals to navigate workplaces and public spaces with greater confidence and ease, helping foster a more inclusive and understanding environment