IGA Istanbul Airport paves the way for accessibility
On 29 November, Airports Council International (ACI) World announced that IGA Istanbul Airport was the first airport in the world to be accredited under its new Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation program. The program was launched earlier this year and is designed to help airports measure, evaluate, and improve their accessibility management and culture. It is the first-of-its kind and dedicated to airport accessibility.
Kadri Samsunlu, CEO IGA Istanbul Airport said:
“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 program 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.”
Accessibility at IGA Istanbul Airport
IGA Istanbul Airport has the motto ‘Accessible travel is possible.’ Working hard to ensure a dignified and enjoyable for all passengers, the airport has introduced a series of measures. Hilal Kahraman, Passenger Experience Chief of IGA Istanbul Airport has previously explained the airport met with NGOs working with different disability groups and together, with individuals who were visually and/or hearing impaired, had cerebral palsy, or autism, explored the airport as though boarding a flight, discussing potential measures to implement at each step.
Some of the accessibility measures introduced include sunflower lanyards, Loud Steps indoor navigation, special passenger service points, and more. Two examples of how technology is used to enhance the airport’s accessibility services are with Ask Me digital info kiosks and sign language video call centres.
The Ask Me digital kiosks are scattered at 23 places across the airport and provide guests with audiovisual live assistance. These kiosks can be used to scan tickets, query boarding gates, and plot any route within the airport. The kiosks can also offer live assistance in Turkish and International sign language.
Through the Istanbul Airport mobile app and istairport.com website, customers can contact a 24/7 video call centre offering assistance to passengers communicating via sign language.
IGA Istanbul Airport has a short, four-minute video detailing the ways they facilitate accessible travel. Watch this here.
Accessibility is a crucial part of providing a satisfactory customer experience for all passengers. IGA Istanbul Airport is leading the way with its accessibility technology and systems.
To read more on accessibility technology for visually impaired passengers read here.
Article by Jess Brownlow
