(NEWS) ZURICH, 2025-Oct-30 — /Travel PR News/ — Zurich Airport Ltd. has announced the introduction of the internationally recognized Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard from November 1, becoming part of a global network of airports and airlines committed to improving accessibility for passengers with invisible disabilities. The initiative enables individuals with non-visible conditions such as autism, dementia, chronic pain, or anxiety to discreetly signal that they may need extra time, patience, or understanding when traveling.
Passengers at Zurich Airport can now obtain the green sunflower-patterned lanyards free of charge at designated distribution points, including the PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) pick-up points at Check-in 1 and Check-in 2, and the Information Desk at Arrival 2. While the lanyard does not confer additional services or queue priority, it allows airport and partner staff to recognize when someone may require assistance or a calmer pace through the airport journey.
Ronny Roth, Head of Passenger Operations at Zurich Airport Ltd., said the rollout builds on the airport’s existing accessibility measures: “With the introduction of the Sunflower Lanyard, we are making a further contribution to greater inclusion at Zurich Airport. This simple symbol makes it easier for affected passengers to communicate and provides our employees with guidance on how to deal sensitively with those affected.”
Airport staff and partner companies have undergone training to recognize the lanyard and respond appropriately, reflecting a growing emphasis on awareness and discretion in assisting travelers with non-visible disabilities.
A global shift toward inclusive travel
Zurich’s adoption joins a growing movement in international aviation. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, first launched at Gatwick Airport in 2016, has expanded to a worldwide network of *327 airports across 70 countries and 23 airlines. Among the many participants are Manchester, Auckland, Christchurch, Edmonton, and Winnipeg airports, as well as major carriers such as British Airways and Air New Zealand.
In the UK, Manchester Airport has expanded its accessibility measures in tandem with the Sunflower program, providing quiet spaces such as the “Sunflower Room” and offering video journey guides to help passengers plan their airport experience. The airport also provides lanyards free of charge at Special Assistance desks, helping passengers who may find busy environments overwhelming.
British Airways became the first UK airline to formally recognize the Sunflower in 2022, integrating awareness training across its staff network and embedding video guidance produced in partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower organization. The airline’s accessibility initiatives, including its Visual Guide to Flying and autism-friendly accreditation, have since influenced other carriers to adopt similar standards.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Auckland Airport and Air New Zealand jointly introduced the Sunflower program to support travelers with conditions such as autism and chronic pain. The scheme has since spread across New Zealand, where airports in Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch have joined, with the latter highlighting its collaboration with local disability organizations to design a traveler-friendly guide for wearers.
In North America, both Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and Edmonton International Airport have implemented the lanyard scheme as part of their broader accessibility strategies. Edmonton International’s Vice President of Operations Steve Maybee described it as “part of our commitment to creating a safe and accessible environment for everyone,” underscoring how the lanyard provides staff with a visual cue to offer help while preserving traveler dignity.
From Gatwick to the world
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower **originated in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport, where airport staff collaborated with charities such as the Alzheimer’s Society and the National Autistic Society to identify a discreet way for passengers with invisible disabilities to communicate their needs. The sunflower motif was chosen to represent confidence, growth, and positivity.
Since its introduction, the initiative has expanded across sectors beyond aviation, now recognized in supermarkets, rail networks, banks, universities, and healthcare facilities.
Inclusion as the new standard
Zurich Airport’s participation reinforces a continuing shift across the travel industry — one that redefines accessibility as more than physical infrastructure. By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, Zurich aligns with a broader international effort to make air travel more empathetic, inclusive, and navigable for all passengers. The move not only reflects evolving awareness of invisible disabilities but also strengthens the collective goal of ensuring that travel is accessible in both visible and unseen ways.
*Statistics and **background on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network are from its official website, 2025.
