Published on
August 25, 2025
Quito Airport in Ecuador has launched the innovative Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to provide greater accessibility for passengers with non-visible disabilities. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and supportive travel experience for all travelers, ensuring their needs are met with care and empathy.
Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, a global initiative designed to enhance the travel experience for individuals with non-visible disabilities. Conditions such as autism, epilepsy, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and diabetes, among others, can often go unnoticed by airport staff, making it difficult for those affected to receive the assistance they need. Through this program, Quito Airport is taking significant steps toward improving the overall accessibility and comfort of its services for all passengers.
The Importance of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
Non-visible disabilities can be difficult to identify in busy airport environments, where passengers often need to navigate security, boarding, and other procedures. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program addresses this by providing travelers who need additional assistance with a discreet method of signaling their needs. This program ensures that people with non-visible disabilities are treated with respect and understanding, helping to create a more supportive travel experience.
Accessing the Sunflower Program at Quito Airport
To participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, passengers can request a sunflower lanyard from the airport’s information desk in the departure area. The lanyard is provided free of charge, and no medical documentation is required. It acts as a subtle indicator for airport staff that the individual may need extra time, more personalized care, or other special accommodations. While the lanyard does not provide priority access or bypass standard procedures, it fosters an environment of awareness and care, ensuring a more considerate and empathetic experience for travelers.
How the Sunflower Lanyard Works in Practice
Once a passenger wears the sunflower lanyard, it signals to airport staff that the individual may need additional assistance, whether in the form of extra time, clear communication, or a quiet space. This initiative does not alter the security or boarding process, but it encourages staff to be more mindful of the passenger’s specific needs. The central question guiding airport personnel is simple: “How can I help you?”
Collaborative Effort to Foster an Inclusive Airport Environment
The implementation of the Sunflower program at Quito Airport is the result of collaboration across all airport sectors. The airport operator worked closely with airlines, security teams, immigration staff, and other key stakeholders to ensure the successful rollout of the program. By engaging all parties involved, Quito Airport aims to create a holistic approach to accessibility that benefits everyone involved, from staff to passengers.
Improving Accessibility Through Direct Feedback
To refine the program, Quito Airport worked with the Rett Ecuador Foundation, engaging people with disabilities to provide feedback on the airport’s facilities. This hands-on evaluation led to recommendations for improvements in signage, infrastructure, and overall customer service. Insights from the Metropolitan Public Airport Services Company (EPMSA) also played a crucial role in enhancing the protocols for assisting passengers with autism, particularly during security screenings. The airport has also prioritized sign language training for its staff, further improving communication and accessibility.
Extensive Training for Airport Staff
A key component of the success of the Sunflower program is specialized training for airport staff. More than 900 employees from 15 different companies operating within the airport participated in training sessions designed to raise awareness and provide practical advice on assisting passengers with non-visible disabilities. This training, which included contributions from experts and people with lived experience of disabilities, equips staff with the tools they need to offer compassionate and effective support. The airport’s Passenger Experience Committee continues to oversee training initiatives, ensuring a continuous commitment to improving service quality.
Aligning Accessibility with Quito Airport’s Long-Term Vision
The Sunflower program fits into Quito Airport’s broader strategy of enhancing accessibility and inclusion. The airport has already been recognized with the Progressive Inclusive Seal by the Municipality of Quito and has achieved Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation for Airports (AEA) from Airports Council International (ACI). These accolades reflect the airport’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all travelers, regardless of their needs, feel welcome and supported.
The Sunflower Lanyard: A Symbol of Inclusivity
The sunflower lanyard has become a symbol of Quito Airport’s dedication to creating a more inclusive travel experience. By participating in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, the airport is reaffirming its position as a leader in customer service and accessibility. The lanyard helps ensure that travelers with non-visible disabilities receive the care and consideration they deserve, while also sending a strong message of empathy and inclusivity to all passengers.
Conclusion
Quito Airport’s integration into the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program marks a significant milestone in its efforts to provide a more inclusive and accessible travel experience. By adopting this initiative, the airport is not only enhancing its services but also setting an example for other airports to follow. The program promotes a culture of respect, empathy, and support, ensuring that passengers with non-visible disabilities can travel with greater ease and dignity.
