Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation have partnered with the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Autism Edmonton to host Autism Aviation Day this coming weekend at YEG. (CNW Group/Air Canada)
(IN SHORT) Air Canada, in partnership with the Air Canada Foundation, Edmonton International Airport, and Autism Edmonton, is hosting Autism Aviation Day this weekend at YEG. This initiative, the first in a series planned across six Canadian cities in 2025, offers a supportive environment for autistic children and their families to experience the airport and flight process, easing travel anxiety. Air Canada has also donated a row of aircraft seats to the airport’s new Sensory Room, designed to assist neurodivergent passengers. The event builds on the success of four previous Autism Aviation Days in 2024, which helped over 125 children and their families, with the next event set for May 10 in Kamloops.
(PRESS RELEASE) MONTREAL, 2025-Apr-3 — /Travel PR News/ — In a groundbreaking partnership, Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation have joined forces with Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Autism Edmonton to host Autism Aviation Day at YEG this coming weekend. This event is the first in a series of special Autism Aviation events scheduled across six Canadian cities in 2025. The initiative is designed to create a supportive environment where children on the spectrum can explore the pre-flight process in a calm setting, easing anxiety and building confidence for future air travel—for both the children and their families.
In addition to the event, Air Canada has donated a row of aircraft seats to the newly unveiled Sensory Room at Edmonton International Airport. This dedicated space is intended to provide a soothing retreat for neurodivergent passengers, including those with autism, anxiety, or other sensory processing challenges.
“Autism Aviation Days are more than just practice runs—they are a gateway to confidence,” said Rebecca Smillie-Nedelec, Director of Community Engagement at Air Canada. “For many families, the chance to go through the airport and flight process in a supportive and flexible environment can turn air travel dreams into reality. These events leave a lasting impact by helping children feel more comfortable and enhancing the quality of life for families who might otherwise avoid flying.”
Carmen Donnelly, Vice President of Passenger Experience and Terminal Operations at YEG, emphasized, “YEG is dedicated to being an airport for everyone. We believe that neurodiverse individuals and their families deserve the opportunity to experience air travel with confidence and comfort. We are grateful to partner with Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation, Autism Edmonton, and other organizations that share our vision of creating an accessible airport experience for all. We look forward to opening doors to new experiences for travelers who may have been previously hesitant about flying.”
Morine Rossi, Programs Manager at Autism Edmonton, added, “We are incredibly excited to partner with the Air Canada Foundation, Air Canada, and Edmonton Airport to offer our members a chance to practice the airport experience. Travel is such an important part of life, yet for many autistic people, it can be overwhelming. By providing a safe and organized environment to practice, we are breaking down barriers to travel and teaching staff and volunteers how to support these transitions. This is a wonderful step toward Autism Acceptance, especially on a day recognized internationally like today.”
In 2024, Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation hosted four Autism Aviation Days, assisting over 125 children and their families in learning about air travel. The next Autism Aviation Day is scheduled for May 10 in Kamloops.
Media contacts:
media@aircanada.ca
SOURCE Air Canada
