As the number of older air travelers increases globally, some airports have already begun to focus on creating more inclusive safety measures for this demographic. 

For instance, Ireland is at the forefront of developing senior-friendly airports. According to Age friendly Ireland (2022), researchers are evaluating various aspects such as layout, circulation, finishes, onboard safety, sensors, and services to make airports more accommodating for elderly passengers.

Additionally, Changi Airport Group in Singapore has initiated a program to better support passengers with invisible disabilities. The Care@Changi initiative strives to foster a stress-free travel environment by facilitating easier navigation through the airport for these passengers. This program includes the use of distinctive lanyards to help staff recognize passengers needing special assistance, a customizable detailed airport guide, and training for staff to effectively support these travelers.

Key Strategies to Become More Senior-Friendly

In 2023, a significant 87% of major international airports reported that they have implemented specific services for seniors, reflecting a substantial 30% increase over the past five years. What are the focal areas they are improving:

Signaling

Addressing the challenge of large, crowded spaces that can overwhelm seniors with unclear or confusing signage and the difficulty in navigating such environments.

• Removing redundant and hard-to-understand signs.
• Installing simpler, clearer, and more visually distinct public service signs.
• Enhancing information kiosks with touch screens, complemented by staff readily available to assist.
• Developing airport-specific smartphone apps that provide navigation and signage information.

Fatigue

The physical challenges at airports are significant—standing or waiting in line for extended periods, navigating long distances to and from parking areas, and managing heavy luggage from car to plane. To mitigate these issues:

• Install dedicated seating in check-in halls, entrance areas, baggage claim, and curbside.
• Provide wheelchairs and motorized trolleys for elderly and disabled travelers.
• Offer parking shuttles servicing passenger cars and shuttles with low floors for easy curb alignment.
• Facilitate remote and off-site baggage check-in, along with luggage collection and delivery services.

Technology and Equipment 

Understanding and using self-service kiosks, electronic devices, navigating security procedures, and operating elevators (often out of service) and escalators present challenges for many travelers.

• Deploy customer service personnel to assist with self-service devices and offer tutorials via video screens explaining the security process.
• Implement accompaniment and assistance programs for those facing difficulties.
• Increase the availability of elevators, ramps, and sloped floors as alternatives to escalators.
• Equip escalators and moving walks with audible warning alerts to enhance safety.

Services

Navigating airport facilities, particularly bathrooms and busy shops, can pose challenges for elderly travelers.

• Upgrade facilities to offer larger, more accessible bathrooms.
• Establish volunteer assistance stations to provide guidance and help as needed throughout the airport.
• Ensure the availability of porters at baggage claim areas to assist with luggage handling.

Globally, airports are leveraging advanced technologies to enhance passenger support. For example, companies like WHILL are developing autonomous wheelchairs equipped with built-in cameras and sensors to navigate obstacles, issue audio warnings, and autonomously transport passengers to gates or restrooms. After use, these wheelchairs can independently return to charging stations, ready for the next passenger in need.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (North Carolina, USA) has collaborated with Aira, a visual interpreting service, to aid passengers in navigating their environment, reading signs, and understanding their surroundings. Meanwhile, West Virginia International Airport (also in the US) has made its ticket counters wheelchair accessible and simplified the software used by passengers. They are also planning to introduce AI-equipped information kiosks to provide specialized assistance to elderly travelers.

4 Exemplary Senior-friendly Airports

Munich Airport

German efficiency shines at Munich Airport. Their “Assisted Travel” program provides seamless support for elderly passengers from home to boarding. Travelers are assisted right from check-in, escorted to the gate, and helped onto the plane. The “Senior Lounge” offers ergonomic seating, acoustic loops, and a relaxation room specially designed for passengers with dementia. This comprehensive care has led to a 30% increase in senior travelers in recent years.

Tokyo Haneda Airport

Responding to Japan’s aging population, Tokyo Haneda Airport has revolutionized accessibility with a blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional Japanese hospitality. Elderly travelers are accompanied by multilingual robot assistants that can detect signs of fatigue or confusion and alert human staff. The airport also features senior-friendly restaurant menus.

Dubai International Airport

In Dubai, luxury meets accessibility. The “Premium Meet & Assist” service caters specifically to seniors, providing personal assistance throughout their journey in a first-class manner. Smart Gates use biometric technology to reduce waiting times by up to 70%, and the Traveler Spa offers treatments tailored to alleviate stress and jet lag for elderly passengers.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is at the forefront of supporting travelers with dementia. This pioneering effort encompasses extensive training for all customer-facing staff, including security officers and retail workers.

Through its “Sunflower Lanyard” program, the airport offers a discreet way to identify passengers with hidden disabilities, allowing for tailored assistance that respects their privacy. Since introducing this program, Schiphol has seen a 40% rise in bookings from senior travel groups, highlighting its success in fostering an inclusive environment.