Facility for #Neurodiverse Air Travelers – Indian Airports
Facility for #Neurodiverse Air Travelers – Indian Airports
Sensory rooms at airports are areas of calm to counter the stress and overstimulation of travel, particularly for those with special needs. How airport sensory rooms offer a calm space, especially for neurodiverse travelers? This question was posed to me when I was blank about if such a facility exist at any of Indian Airports; but the answer was in the question itself. This is my way of learning the things; as I always say, Answering Questions is the best way to learn.
I recall, in good old days, we in IAAI were the first to introduce Child Care Room / Mother’s Room, Prayer Room and Business Centre , etc. at IAAI airports. Now with the passage of time, the needs are changing and the facility providers will have to be proactive to ensure that the air travellers are in full comfort and they feel happy while transiting from the airport; as I strongly believe in ‘ A Happy Passenger , Spends More Money at airports”. So is the case for ‘Sensory Rooms” ! Let us look into this facility with some more details.
Airports are a world of bustle, with people thundering about dragging suitcases, non-stop announcements, and an overwhelming amount of information to digest. Air travel is particularly stressful for the neurodiverse, with a significant chance of sensory overload, especially for people with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). That has prompted a growing number of airports to provide Sensory Rooms, dedicated areas of calm to help ease some of the stress of travel.
Study shows, that from the US airports of Pittsburgh and Seattle to Dublin, Ireland, the trend suggests passengers value such oases. Pittsburgh International Airport says its sensory room, Presley’s Place, “offers a calming space for families to relax”. San Francisco airport has also opened a similar facility. The space is open to everyone but was designed specifically for travelers who are neurodiverse; meaning their brains work differently to the norm, and including those with ASD and other sensory processing disorders. It also features a representation of an aircraft interior to help travelers familiarize themselves. Seattle Airport created a space with a rocking chair, dimmable lighting, and a starry night ceiling as a “calming environment for those who may feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or find the need to recenter from the multitude of sights and sounds of the airport travel experience”. Dublin Airport, meanwhile, has built two sensory rooms to “help calm passengers who might feel overwhelmed in busy and unfamiliar airport surroundings”. Passengers departing from the airport may use the rooms free of charge, with 60-minute sessions available through a booking system. But worldwide, the number of airports providing these facilities is still small, so if you feel the need for peace and quiet, the best place you are likely to find it is in memorial and prayer rooms, which are usually open to travelers of any religious denomination. Many airports also offer further support for people whose impairments are not visible, by issuing sunflower lanyards. These are a discreet indication for those affected to signal that they have an impairment that may not be obvious and highlight to airport staff and other travelers that they may need more time or help in some situations.
Coming to India; ACI- Media Centre Information (2025-03-10) states; BLR Airport Becomes India’s First Airport to Introduce Sensory Rooms for Neurodivergent Passengers.
In a step towards promoting inclusive air travel, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) has introduced a first of its kind sensory room at an airport in India. Located near the 080 International Lounge at Level 4 of Terminal 2, the sensory room is a thoughtfully designed space tailored for neurodivergent passengers and individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Airports can be overwhelming with bright lights, continuous announcements, security screenings, and crowded spaces, factors that can be particularly challenging for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), anxiety disorders, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other sensory or mental health conditions.
To address these challenges, BLR Airport’s sensory room offers a calm, controlled space, allowing passengers to feel more at ease before their journey. In a motivating and commitment oriented statement; Hari Marar, MD and CEO, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) said, “We are committed to building an inclusive and passenger-friendly airport. BLR Airport has consistently aimed at offering the latest innovations, from our biophilic, sustainable Terminal 2 to digital solutions that enhance efficiency. The addition of the sensory room aligns with our mission to create a seamless and stress-free experience for every traveler, ensuring that inclusivity is not just a feature but a core value for us.”
Creation of such facilities are to be backed by behavioral science and occupational therapy research. As such, the sensory room at Terminal 2 is designed to provide a calming, engaging, and therapeutic environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Research in sensory regulation and occupational therapy indicate that even brief periods (15–30 minutes) in a calming, sensory-friendly environment can significantly alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed and enhance well-being, making travel smoother and more manageable. This benefit supports neurodivergent children and adults alike, allowing them to navigate their travel experiences with greater ease and comfort.
The facility is Developed in collaboration with Incluzza, a thought leader in disability inclusion, this initiative highlights the importance of sensory-friendly spaces in improving emotional regulation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall travel experiences. Dipesh Sutariya, Chairman & Managing Director, EnAble India group said, “We at Incluzza, are proud to have partnered with BIAL in designing and building this sensory room. The Disability Inclusion Office by Incluzza, powered by EnAble India, located at BIAL was established in 2023 in partnership with BIAL and is indicative of their deep commitment to inclusion. The Sensory Room is one of several inclusion initiatives BIAL has undertaken to ensure every kind of passenger has a good experience. It’s heartening to see accessibility being driven by thoughtful, proactive action. We hope this is the beginning of more such initiatives across the country.”
In Summary; the Key Features of the sensory room include
Through the combination of visual, tactile, auditory, and movement-based stimulation, the Sensory Room aims to serve as a haven for relaxation and self-regulation.
With this new feature, BLR Airport aims to set benchmarks in offering the best of customer experience, reaffirming its position as one of India’s most forward-thinking and passenger-centric airports.
Users of this facility are encouraged to share their experience and visuals of the facility.