Airports can be chaotic, bustling environments and can present a challenge for children and adults with sensory or cognitive impairment – now Liverpool Airport is offering a helping hand. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) is offering a new ‘Sensory Space’ for passengers with sensory or cognitive impairment.
Airports can be chaotic, bustling environments and can present a challenge for some children and adults. Those with autism, for example, may find bright lights or loud noises overwhelming, stressful or uncomfortable.
Now LJLA has partnered with passenger assistance venture, ABM, to open the £35,000 facility in the departure lounge at the airport. It will allow people to relax and acclimatise to the busy airport environment before they fly.
This space has been created in partnership with local community business Autism Adventures and Alder Hey Hospital, who offered specialist advice that helped with the design of the room.
The development of the sensory space at the airport 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.
LJLA also works closely with ABM who help to make the journey through the airport for passengers requiring assistance. has been rated as offering the highest ‘Very Good’ service by the UK Civil Aviation Authority for disabled and less mobile passengers.
The Sensory Space is wheelchair accessible and is located near to the picnic area in the departure lounge. It is open for bookings to be made between 8am to 6pm daily. Email customerservices@liverpoolairport.com
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.
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“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.
“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.”