Gatwick received Accessible Airport Award

Gatwick, the second London airport, wins the prestigious award for helping remove barriers faced by passengers with a disability. The achievements of the Gatwick airport were recognized by the Airport Council International Europe - the professional body representing European airports. The award was presented in association with the European Disability Forum - an umbrella organization that defends the interests of over 80 million Europeans with disabilities.

ACI Europe awards cover four traffic categories of airport and aim to recognize overarching achievement in core activities such as customer service, facilities, retail, security, community relations, and environmental awareness and operations. As part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by ACI EUROPE and the European Disability Forum (EDF) in 2016, the Accessible Airport Award aims to honor the best airport in Europe in terms of its level of accessibility as well as the range and the quality of the assistance services that it offers.

The award was recognition for Gatwick's drive to improve its services for passengers with a disability, including:

• Training all frontline staff to recognize and offer appropriate help to passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism and dementia
• Opening an 'airline-style lounge' specifically for passengers with reduced mobility
• Investing in the UK's first airport sensory room
• Initiating what became a UK-wide hidden disability lanyard scheme, which acts as a discreet signal that a passenger may need a little extra help or time

The airport was also singled out for its close cooperation with organizations of persons with disabilities, including a local community accessibility forum on access requirements of users with diverse visible and invisible disabilities.

The award was also presented in recognition of Gatwick's contribution to encouraging other airports to introduce similar schemes and initiatives.

Chris Woodroofe, Chief Operating Officer, Gatwick Airport, said: "Our objective is to give every passenger, regardless of any physical or hidden disability, an equal opportunity to fly. "This award recognizes the significant investment the airport has made into improving our infrastructure, facilities, and training. More than anything however this award is for our staff and the way they provide world-class assistance to passengers who may require a little extra help when traveling through the airport."