Gold Coast Airport (GCA), in partnership with Aspect Autism Friendly has launched a new initiative to deliver a more accessible airport experience for people of all abilities.
Since leading the industry as the first Australian airport to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program in 2019, GCA has continuously set the standard for inclusive air travel.
Recently, GCA conducted an environmental assessment focused on multiple disabilities, through a collaborative walkthrough with specialists from Aspect Autism Friendly, part of Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider. The team, joined by individuals with various abilities, including a wheelchair user, people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and with low vision, navigated the airport, pinpointing key areas for potential accessibility improvements.
The findings will inform a comprehensive report that will recommend facility and process upgrades, aiming to enhance public accessibility. These insights have the potential to shape the Australian Airports Association Guidelines for Disabilities and Hidden Disabilities, setting a new benchmark for airports nationwide.
Dr Tom Tutton, Executive Manager of Aspect Autism Friendly, emphasised the project’s innovative and holistic approach to inclusion.
“The collaboration between Gold Coast Airport and Aspect is setting new standards,” Dr Tutton said. “Many organisations tend to address disabilities in isolation, often missing the overlap between them. What we’re doing here is pioneering a consolidated, collaborative approach that recognises and addresses those overlaps. We hope this will serve as a model for other airports and organisations moving forward.”
Queensland Airports Limited’s (QAL) chief property and planning officer and executive sponsor of QAL’s internal Accessibility Committee, Brian McGuckin, reinforced the importance of the assessment.
“Gold Coast Airport is focused on making its terminal and precinct welcoming and inclusive for people of all abilities,” McGuckin said. “We are on a path of continual improvement, and Aspect’s multi-disability environmental assessment will help identify gaps and opportunities to upgrade our facilities. Ultimately, we want to empower and encourage everyone to travel.”
Brent Matthews, a Guide Dogs Queensland client who participated in the initial walkthrough, shared his insights on the experience.
“Navigating my way from entrance to gate and testing how easily or not I could access things like security, bathrooms and assistance from airport staff was eye-opening,” Matthews said.
“It was clear that the team was genuinely interested in my feedback, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating their understanding that vision is a spectrum. We can now work together to ensure the accessibility of all airport users, not just most of its users.”
A recent study, Autism and Airport Experiences by the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) has highlighted the positive impact of autism-friendly initiatives at Sydney and Gold Coast Airports. The research, which included feedback from Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children, showed how programs like the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program and designated sensory-friendly spaces help make air travel less overwhelming.
Participants noted that when airport staff recognised these accommodations, it made their experience far more comfortable and supportive. The study also highlighted some areas for improvement, such as the need for quiet zones with better signage and broader staff awareness of the Sunflower lanyard.
As Gold Coast Airport continues to expand its inclusivity efforts, Aspect Autism Friendly urges other airports and organisations to collaborate and embrace a holistic accessibility solution that can truly benefit all.
