Dubai: Travelling can be an overwhelming experience for many – from crowded terminals to security checks, getting through the airport and to your flight can be challenging, even more so if you are a Person of Determination.But if you are travelling in and out of Dubai, there are several support services that have been carefully designed to make the experience easier. Dubai Airports has introduced a range of support services across Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) that are aimed at making passengers who may have a visible or hidden disability travel with greater comfort and support.The ‘Hidden Disabilities Sunflower’There are instances when a person’s disability can be visually identified, like in cases where a person may be using a wheelchair. However, 1 in 6 people globally live with a disability, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and sometimes those disabilities may be hidden.The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol that allows people with non-visible disabilities or conditions to discreetly indicate that they may need additional support, understanding or more time during their journey.Conditions can include autism, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, cognitive or neurological conditions, hearing or visual impairments, chronic pain, diabetes, respiratory conditions and many other temporary, situational or permanent disabilities.At Dubai Airports, you can wear a Sunflower lanyard, which is provided at the information desks or dedicated support desks at each terminal, which allows you to communicate that you, or someone in your travel group, may require additional support.Dubai Airports staff who have been especially trained to support people with hidden disabilities also wear a Sunflower pin, indicating that they are equipped to help.Where can you get a Sunflower lanyard?You can collect a Sunflower lanyard free of charge at the airport at the following points.DXB Terminal 1: Before the check-in area entry point, look for the Sunflower symbol on the information screens and approach an airport employee.DXB Terminal 2: At the information desk before the check-in areas.DXB Terminal 3: At the Departure Hall Information Desk, located parallel to Departures Entrance 2.DWC: At the information desk before the check-in areas.At all terminals, sunflower lanyards are also available at desks located before passport control.You will not be asked to provide any documentation or proof of disability to receive a lanyard or access support services. The badge can be worn by the Person of Determination or their caregiver, or someone in their travel group.6 dedicated services for people with hidden disabilities1. Autism Friendly RouteDubai Airports has introduced a dedicated Autism Friendly Route designed to reduce stress throughout the airport journey. The route includes dedicated lanes at check-in, passport control and security screening.The route is marked with sunflower symbols and supported by trained airport staff wearing sunflower pins, making it easier for passengers to identify them.According to Dubai Airports, passengers wearing a Sunflower lanyard are typically invited to move forward in queues where possible and may be offered the option to board early or board last, depending on their preference and airline procedures.At Terminals 1, 2 and DWC, passengers can approach an employee in the check-in area for guidance through the autism-friendly process. At Terminal 3, travellers can use the Additional Assistance Desk.2. Hearing LoopsDubai Airports has also installed Hearing Loops at more than 520 customer touchpoints across its airports, to support people with impaired hearing. If you wear a hearing aid or a cochlear implant, the hearing loop can be connected to it by simply activating the telecoil setting on your hearing aid or cochlear implant. The hearing loop then allows you to hear airport announcements and communicate more clearly with staff reducing background noise and transmitting sound directly to compatible hearing aids.These are available at check-in counters, immigration counters, boarding gates and help desks.3. Assisted Travel Lounge at Terminal 2Located in the Departures area of DXB Terminal 2, the Assisted Travel Lounge provides a dedicated space for People of Determination and travellers with hidden disabilities.The lounger has wheelchair-accessible areas, noise-reducing seating, a decompression zone for autistic passengers, calming lighting, tactile materials and a dedicated space for unaccompanied minors.4. Dedicated security lanesDubai Police has also introduced several measures to support travellers with physical, visual, hearing and cognitive impairments in collaboration with Dubai Airports.At both DXB and DWC, dedicated security lanes are available for Persons with Disabilities at Arrivals and Departures, helping provide a faster and more comfortable screening experience.Additional measures include customised metal detector gates suitable for wheelchair users, more than 400 trained employees supporting guests with intellectual disabilities and private inspection rooms for travellers with prosthetic limbs.Dubai Airports has advised passengers with prosthetic devices to carry relevant medical reports to help facilitate the screening process.5. DPNA code for flight bookingsIf you are a Person of Determination, it is important to use the ‘DPNA’ code when making your flight booking.The ‘Disabled Passenger with Intellectual or Developmental Disability Needing Assistance’ is a standardised special service request from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which alerts alerts airlines and airport service providers that that passenger may require additional support during the journey.6. Autism Friendly travel plannerDubai Airports has also released a special Autism Friendly travel planner, which breaks down airport procedures for travellers, and guides them through the process all the way from the moment they enter the airport to the time their flight lands at their destination. The guide can be downloaded here: https://dubaiairports.ae/docs/passengerslibraries/default-document-library/travel-planner.pdf?sfvrsn=594a85c6_7By taking advantage of these dedicated support services available at Dubai’s airports, you can make your journey easier.
