Assisting Passengers is a Top Priority

We are working closely with a range of support organisations across Yorkshire to ensure the airport is as accessible as possible for people with disabilities, including those that may be ‘hidden’ disabilities.

For around a year, team members at LBA have worked closely with several organisations and the people they support to hear their views of passenger assistance requirements and to offer ‘behind the scenes’ tours.

This has given organisations and their members the chance to experience first-hand the assistance they would receive when travelling through LBA, as well as give them the opportunity to pass on their feedback as to what improvements could be made.

A number of people have flown for the first time thanks to the scheme, as it has helped to address fears and questions for people who were anxious to book air travel previously.

In addition, the airport has worked closely with on-site passenger assistance company OCS and has delivered training to operational team members about how best to support people with disabilities and ‘hidden’ disabilities, such as autism, travelling through the airport.

Organisations working closely with LBA include Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Leeds Autism Services, William Merritt Centre, Little Hiccups, Aspire and AVSED.

Helen Pearce, Head of Passenger Services at LBA, said: “Customer service is incredibly important to us and we are continually looking at ways to improve the passenger journey for all customers. We have learnt a huge amount from all of the organisations we have worked with over the last year and their time has been invaluable. I’d like to say a big thanks to all involved in the Disability Awareness work undertaken so far.”

A range of information tools are available for passengers who may require further information ahead of travelling, including:

• Autism awareness guide.
• Assistance dog information.
• Details on the Changing Places room in the departure lounge.
• Information on all of the work undertaken so far.

SEE SPECIAL ASSISTANCE