İGA Istanbul Airport has become the first airport in the world to be accredited under the ACI’s new Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme.
The Airports Council International accreditation programme was launched earlier this year and provides a continuous path of improvement in the area of accessibility for passengers with disabilities, which includes people with physical and non-apparent disabilities. This level of accreditation achieved by İGA Istanbul Airport is designed to help airports measure, evaluate, and improve their accessibility management and culture. It was developed as a collaboration between accessibility advocacy groups, airports, industry partners, and ACI.
ACI World director general Luis Felipe de Oliveira said: “We are delighted to have Istanbul Airport be the first to be accredited under the Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme. It has been a long-time proponent of accessibility and this accreditation is a testament to its commitment to inclusive air travel.
“Air travel accessibility continues to be a priority for the industry, and this has been reflected in our recent advocacy work with governments through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as the resources we are developing for airports. The input from the accessibility community was absolutely crucial for this programme as we work to make an air travel system for all people – one that is equitable, inclusive and accessible. We hope to welcome more airports in the coming year.”
Describing accessibility as a fundamental human right, İGA Istanbul Airport CEO Kadri Samsunlu said: “With the support of our stakeholders, we aim to provide equal, respectful and professional treatment in accessing our services for people with disabilities, as well as creating an inclusive culture that hires and supports them. We are proud to be the first airport in the world to win this accreditation and we will continue to improve accessibility on an ongoing basis, to stand in solidarity with all local and international disability communities and advocate inclusivity.”
Image: İGA Istanbul Airport
