Assisted Travel Lounge at Dubai Airport

Dubai Airports has opened its first Assisted Travel Lounge at Dubai DXB Airport's Terminal 2, a benchmark for accessible travel. This lounge is the first of its kind, designed to comprehensively address the diverse needs of People with Determination (POD), including those with autism and hidden disabilities, by providing a safe and comfortable space within the vibrant airport environment.

 

 

A collaboration between Dubai Airports and lounge operator dnata, the Assisted Travel Lounge reinforces Dubai Airports' commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. This pilot lounge is part of a multimillion-dollar program, with expansion plans already planned to open similar lounges in other terminals.

The refined design of the lounge seamlessly integrates each element into the larger context of the airport spaces, enhancing the overall guest experience.

 

 

The lounge is equipped with designated wheelchair areas, touch surfaces for easy navigation, dedicated seating for the hearing impaired that facilitates face-to-face communication with employees, a decompression zone for people with autism , and an area reserved for unaccompanied minors. The materials, finishes and lighting have been carefully selected to create a serene atmosphere, offering travelers a peaceful retreat.

 

In addition, the Sunflower Lanyard Programme discreetly identifies and assists POD guests, ensuring access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly pathway, with priority at check-in, passport control, security checks and boarding, two hours of free parking, dedicated taxis and wheelchair services.

 

 

In 2022, DXB Dubai received accreditation from the International Airports Council (ACI) as part of its Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative that recognizes global airports' commitment to accessible travel operations. The airport has also been certified as Autism-friendly by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) and has become the first international airport to be awarded the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation, conferred by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).