Airports are often overwhelming environments—constant movement, rolling suitcases, loud announcements, and an endless stream of information create a chaotic atmosphere. For neurodiverse travellers, particularly those with autism, the sensory overload can be incredibly stressful.
Recognizing this challenge, a growing number of airports worldwide are introducing sensory rooms—calm, quiet spaces designed to help ease the stress of travel.
A Global Movement Toward Inclusive Travel
Airports across the United States and Europe are leading this initiative. Pittsburgh International Airport offers “Presley’s Place,” a dedicated calming space for families. San Francisco International Airport has a sensory-friendly facility featuring a replica of an aircraft interior, helping passengers acclimate before boarding.
Meanwhile, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport provides a soothing area with dimmable lighting, a rocking chair, and a ceiling mimicking a starry night sky—creating a tranquil escape from the airport’s sensory intensity. In Ireland, Dublin Airport has introduced not one but two sensory rooms, available for free through an online booking system, ensuring accessibility for those in need.
Despite these advancements, sensory-friendly airport spaces remain rare. Travellers seeking peace often rely on prayer rooms, which are generally open to all regardless of faith.
Additional Support for Hidden Disabilities
Beyond sensory rooms, many airports now recognize hidden disabilities through sunflower lanyards. These discreet identifiers signal to staff that a traveller may require extra time or assistance, fostering a more inclusive and understanding airport experience.
Malaysia’s Initiative: The Butterfly Effect at KLIA
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is also making strides in supporting neurodiverse passengers through its Butterfly Effect initiative. Inspired by the idea that small changes can lead to significant positive outcomes, this program aims to create a more inclusive travel experience.
KLIA’s initiative includes:
✅ Calm Room (Terminal 1) – A vibrant, sensory-friendly space with activity stations to help reduce anxiety.
✅ Sensory Walls (Both Terminals) – Interactive touch panels designed to provide tactile, visual, and auditory stimulation for travellers who need a moment of relaxation.
Passengers wishing to access these services must pre-register online before visiting the Airport Care InfoCentre (Terminal 1, Level 5) or the Airport Information Counter (Terminal 2, Level 3) to collect a Butterfly Kit. This kit includes a special lanyard, granting access to priority lanes at security, immigration, and customs checkpoints.
A Step Toward Stress-Free Travel
While the number of airports offering sensory rooms is still limited, the growing awareness and implementation of these facilities mark a significant step towards inclusive travel. For many neurodiverse individuals and their families, these small yet impactful changes can make all the difference in transforming a stressful journey into a smooth and manageable experience.
