ACI World has named Istanbul Airport as the recipient of an accreditation recognising its efforts in improving accessibility for passengers with disabilities.

The airport is the first in the world to be endorsed under the association’s new, first-of-a-kind ‘Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Program’.

Launched earlier this year, it offers ‘a continuous path of improvement in the area of accessibility for passengers with disabilities, which includes people with physical and non-apparent disabilities’, says ACI World.

It was developed in collaboration with accessibility advocacy groups, airports, industry partners and ACI.

In June, TRBusiness hosted its ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ webinar, which shone the spotlight on disability inclusion within the travel retail industry.

The 90-minute webinar featured an impressive lineup of experts who discussed disability awareness and education, Generation Z consumer insights, and implementing successful D&I programmes.

It featured some enlightening contributions from Hilal Kahraman, İGA Istanbul Airport’s Passenger Experience Design Chief and winner of the 2021 Customer Experience Professionals Association Impact Award; Goods To Know Founder & President Fabienne Raynaud; Wandersafe Founder Stephenie Rodriguez; and Imagen Insights Co-founder Cat Agostinho [to watch the webinar in full, click below].

ACI World Director General Luis Felipe de Oliveira said in a statement: “We are delighted to have Istanbul Airport, a leading global airport, be the first to be accredited under the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Program. They have been a long-time proponent of accessibility and this accreditation is a testament to their commitment to inclusive air travel.

“Air travel accessibility continues to be a priority for the industry, and this has been reflected in our recent advocacy work with governments through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as the resources we are developing for airports.

“The input from the accessibility community was absolutely crucial for this programme as we work to make an air travel system for all people –one that is equitable, inclusive and accessible. We hope to welcome more airports in the coming year.”

İGA Istanbul Airport CEO Kadri Samsunlu added: “We view accessibility as a fundamental human right. As İGA Istanbul Airport with the support of our stakeholders, we ensure to provide equal, respectful and professional treatment in accessing our services for, promote an exceptional environment for and create an inclusive culture that hires and support people with disabilities.

“We are proud of being the first airport in the world to be accredited with the ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme and we will continue to improve accessibility on an ongoing basis, stand in solidarity with all local and international disability communities and advocate inclusivity and accessibility.”