Top 9 Senior-Friendly International Airports Providing Elder-Centric Services

Navigating airports can be stressfull, especially for senior citizens. Many people defer their world tour for their older age, but it can be anxious to go through airport terminals and find your flight, especially for those with walking, hearing or visual aids. Language also adds a barrier to your journey. However, all across the globe there are many countries that have taken the baton to offer senior-friendly services to help ease some anxiety.

Here are the names of such 10 senior-friendly airports transforming international travel experience for seniors

Changi Airport, Singapore: Leading With Innovation

Changi Airport of Singapore has introduced innovative ways to provide service to make senior citizens more comfortable during their travel journey. It consists of an army of 150 assistants who can fluently communicate in multiple languages and understand senior travellers better. The assistants also provide help right from the curbside to the gate. The silent terminal rule helps reduce anxiety for seniors, eliminating alarming announcements. Changi aims to smoothen the journey of its senior travellers through special provisions like customised service and buggy for luggage carrying purposes. The highlight is the butterfly garden, an attraction for travellers to enjoy the scenic beauty in between flights.

Munich Airport: Senior-Centric Accessibility and Hospitality

Munich Airport in Germany has an Assisted Travel program for elderly travellers for efficiency in aviation services at the airport. The airport provides a plethora of services under assisted travel, including home pick-up services, escorting to the gate and being guided through the check-in for senior travellers. Munich Airport saw a staggering increase of 22 per cent of travellers for its program. The lounge for senior citizens offers a quiet room for dementia patients, ergonomic seats for comfort and hearing loops to tone down the anxiety-inducing announcements.

Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan: A Fusion of Technology and Traditions

As Japan's senior population is at an all-time high, the demand for senior-friendly services to navigate through airports has increased. Haneda Airport offers robotic assistants that are programmed to communicate in multiple languages and assist senior travellers through crowded terminals. The AI-operated robots are made in a manner that detects fatigue, mental confusion, etc., to notify the human staff and add a layer of support for seniors. The airport offers a variety of dining options, including "Omotenashi" (Japanese hospitality), catering to various tastes and needs, including senior-friendly menus and dietary restrictions.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: First Dementia-Friendly Airport

Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, in 2021, was accredited as the first airport that catered to dementia patients and was designated the "Dementia Friendly" airport. The whole staff is well-trained to handle various situations or problems that dementia patients face. All personnel, from frontline assistants to security and even shop assistants, are well-trained to help seniors with dementia. Schiphol's "Sunflower Lanyard" program discreetly identifies passengers with undiagnosed or hidden disabilities. It also provides appropriate assistance without compromising dignity. The staff has led to a 40 per cent increase in the senior travel demographic since its inception.

Dubai International Airport: Luxury and Accessibility

Dubai International Airport proves that luxury and accessibility can co-exist. It has a premium meet and assist service that is tailored to offer personal concierge to elderly travellers that handle many aspects that might otherwise prove to be difficult for them. Fast-track immigration to a private lounge, Dubai Airport offers A-Level service to all its travellers, especially the elderly. The airport's "Smart Gates" utilise biometric technology to expedite seniors' immigration. It reduces waiting times by up to 70%, while the Senior Traveler Spa provides treatments to alleviate travel stress and jet lag.

Vancouver International Airport, Canada: Natural Beauty and Calm

Vancouver International Airport offers quiet and calm atmosphere for elderly travellers which is different from the alarming announcements and consequent terminal delays etc. It features gentle ramps and natural light. The "Green Coat" volunteer program pairs seniors with local guides. The program provides companionship and assistance throughout the journey.

Frankfurt Airport, Germany: Where Seniors are met with Empathy and Efficiency

Frankfurt Airport has transformed into a convenient destination for elderly travellers with its "MyMobility" service. This service provides personalised assistance and special inter-terminal transport vehicles for elderly travellers with accessibility issues. It also features dedicated security lanes. The "Senior Citizens' Lounge" offers a calm environment for seniors to take a breather.

Miami International Airport: Southern Hospitality

Miami International Airport serves the city's strong elderly community with style. The "MIAmigos" initiative connects senior travellers with trained volunteers who offer company and help. The airport's "Senior Zones" provide comfy chairs, charging outlets, and large-print reading materials. The tech-savvy elders can take advantage of the "MIA Airport Official" app, which provides an accessibility option. The app features voice-guided navigation to find terminal and real-time gate changes and delays that are updated simultaneously on the app. It's an ideal combination of traditional hospitality and modern ease.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport: Inclusive and Efficient

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is a well-known airport for its efficiency with elderly travellers, offering a "PRM" service for passengers with reduced mobility. The airport provides priority lanes and ergonomic seating for comfortable sitting areas for elderly travellers to recover from jet lag or those with mobility issues. It also extends a smooth "Airtrain" system for easy inter-terminal transfers. This makes it one of the top airports for accessibility in Europe.