Airport accessibility for neurodivergent passengers

a global survey of initiatives and its implications

Authors

  • Rafael Teixeira de Castro Federal Center for Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET/RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7672-0800
  • Mariana Miranda Batista Federal Center for Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET/RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1511-1646
  • Maria Eduarda Santos Andrada Federal Center for Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET/RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6800-6276

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7784/rbtur.v19.3077

Keywords:

Airports, Air Transportation, Neurodivergences people, Tourism

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between neurodivergence, tourism, air transportation, and social inclusion, with a particular focus on airport accessibility. Employing a bibliographic review and an exploratory qualitative-quantitative research methodology, the study investigates how airports are adapting to meet the needs of neurodivergent passengers. The primary aim is to analyze the strategies implemented by airports worldwide to enhance accessibility for individuals with various neurodivergences. To achieve this objective, a survey and subsequent analysis of accessibility practices targeting neurodivergent individuals were conducted across selected airports globally. The airports included in this research were chosen based on the criterion of officially adopting the sunflower lanyard as an accessibility measure. The findings reveal that while accessibility initiatives are present in airports of varying sizes, governance models, and locations, major airports often prioritize simpler, low-cost measures over more comprehensive structural adaptations. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for further research and the development of more inclusive strategies.

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Author Biographies

Rafael Teixeira de Castro, Federal Center for Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET/RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Professor of the Bachelor's Degree in Tourism at the Celso Suckow da Fonseca Federal Center for Technological Education (CEFET/RJ) UnED Petrópolis. Bachelor in Tourism and PhD in Transportation Engineering. Contributions: research design, data collection, data analysis and discussion.

Mariana Miranda Batista, Federal Center for Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET/RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Bachelor's Degree in Tourism from the Celso Suckow da Fonseca Federal Center for Technological Education (CEFET/RJ) UnED Petrópolis. Contributions: literature review, data collection, data analysis and discussion.

Maria Eduarda Santos Andrada, Federal Center for Technological Education Celso Suckow da Fonseca (CEFET/RJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Bachelor's degree in Tourism from the Celso Suckow da Fonseca Federal Center for Technological Education (CEFET/RJ) UnED Petrópolis. Contributions: literature review, data collection, data analysis and discussion.

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Published

2025-02-27

How to Cite

Castro, R. T. de, Batista, M. M., & Andrada, M. E. S. (2025). Airport accessibility for neurodivergent passengers: a global survey of initiatives and its implications. Revista Brasileira De Pesquisa Em Turismo, 19, 3077 . https://doi.org/10.7784/rbtur.v19.3077

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Section

Articles - Tourism Management