Gatwick awarded for being an autism-friendly airport

A ceremony is being held at Gatwick today to recognise its status as an autism friendly airport.

As well as providing clear and accessible information for passengers and the assistance available to help plan their journey, the airport has published its own downloadable autism-friendly guide for passengers.

The National Autistic Society is giving the airport an award to highlight the efforts of Gatwick to meet a range of Autism Friendly criteria to help passengers, their families and carers.

Staff have been specially trained to help assist autistic passengers and a hidden disability lanyard system has been put in place, reports ITN.

More than 1 in 100 people in the UK are autistic.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick Airport Chief Executive, says: "We recognise airports can sometimes be a stressful environment for autistic passengers, but that simple steps can go a long way in helping to break down barriers and make it easier for autistic passengers and their families or caregivers to travel through Gatwick."