Liverpool airport aims to be most accessible in the north

Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport has announced that it aims to be the most accessible airport in the north of England. The airport has collaborated with a number of organisations to make sure that they have several facilities for passengers with reduced mobility and additional needs.

As the city of Liverpool is working towards being an Autism Friendly city and has made huge gains in the number of accessible attractions and accommodation, it is no wonder that the airport is also following suit.

The airport is one of the busiest in the region with over 5 million people passing through it every year. It offers flights to over seventy destinations and handles both domestic and international travel, so it is imperative that it offers accessibility initiatives to those passengers.

The airport has previously been acknowledged for its relaxed, hassle free environment and with recent investment to help improve passenger facilities it has recently been voted as the UK’s Best Medium Sized Airport and Best Airport.

The airport has now implemented a number of accessibility initiatives, these include setting up an Accessibility Consultative Committee made up of a cross section of individuals with various disabilities, representatives from disability organisations and those working within the airport to improve access and best practice. The organisations involved include Action on Hearing Loss, Autism Adventures, The Brain Charity, The Dementia Action Alliance, Guide Dogs, the Spinal Injuries Association, Stomawise UK and Whizz Kidz.

By working with these organisations, the airport has managed to put a number of procedures in place, including making sure that there is a fully equipped Changing Place toilet and accessible facilities as well as awareness training, which has led to them receiving Ostomy Friendly Airport status.
Sunflower lanyards are also in use as are staff training exercises to help them better assist passengers with dementia and hidden disabilities.

Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport has also recently created a fully equipped Quiet Space in the Departure Lounge which is available for use by passengers returning to the Isle of Man following hospital treatment in Liverpool, as well as those who need to take time out. This space is to be extended in the near future to accommodate more passengers.

Have you experienced the accessibility initiatives at Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport? We’d love to hear about them, get in touch with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.