The Malta International Airport has launched a pilot programme aimed at easing the airport experience for individuals with autism. MIA’s terminal facade went blue to mark World Autism Awareness week alongside the launch of the project. 

“The bustle and many stimuli of terminals can turn a trip into an ordeal for autistic passengers and their families, and we hope that these initiatives would contribute to making the journey as pleasant as possible for these guests,” said an airport spokesperson.

MIA joins some of the most iconic buildings around the world, including the Empire State Building, the United Nations headquarters, and the White House, in marking World Autism Awareness week.

Anyone travelling with autistic children and autistic adults can now fill in a form available on the airport website ahead of their trip to let them know if your family is in need of assistance. 

Alternatively, a family can also wear a specific identifier provided by the airport on their clothes that would alert staff members to the needs of the person with autism. This is also useful to prepare staff before they enter check-in or security screening. 

The airport has also designated different areas within the terminal as quiet spaces, providing a calm waiting area away from the airport buzz for these passengers.

The airport will also be organising sensitivity training sessions for its staff to ensure they have a basic understanding of the
condition and practical guidance about how to best interact with autistic individuals. These sessions are being organised in collaboration with Inspire Malta.

Anyone looking for further information on MIA’s services for people with autism can visit the newly-launched webpage to see all of the airport’s autism-friendly facilities. 

How awesome do you think this initiative is?

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]