17 May 2019

• Sydney Airport launches service to empower blind and low vision travellers to confidently navigate the airport
• Aira is a free service for passengers departing or arriving at Sydney’s airport, available via smartphone app

In an Australian airport first, Sydney Airport today launched a partnership with Aira, a service that enables blind and low vision travellers to confidently navigate the airport through a smartphone connection.

The service will provide visually impaired visitors and passengers with instant access to the information they need to explore Sydney Airport’s terminals.

Sydney Airport CEO Geoff Culbert said that the launch is part of a broader commitment to continue to improve accessibility at the airport.

“We welcome 44.4 million passengers a year through the airport and we’re continually looking for innovative ways to make the journey better,” he said.

“This new service will significantly improve the airport experience for the visually impaired community. The trial we recently completed at T2 Domestic was a game changer for the participant and that’s something we’re really excited about.”

Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton said that the technology makes the world instantly more accessible for the more than 380,000 people in Australia who are blind or have low vision.

“It’s always pleasing when organisations take steps to improve accessibility and Sydney Airport becoming an Aira Access location is great news,” Mr Hooton said.

“Airports can be difficult environments to navigate for people who are blind or have low vision. Becoming an Aira Access location means the community can visit Sydney Airport without worrying if there will be somebody there to help them make their way to check in, find their gate or access any other of the airport’s facilities.”

Jack Tyrrell, a regular Sydney-based traveller, used Aira for the first time recently while departing Sydney Airport.

“When I need to go to the airport, I normally just go straight from the train station to my boarding gate, as I’m not able to distinguish what’s around. Using Aira for the first time, I was able to learn where things were and realised the full offering of the airport,” said Mr Tyrrell.

The free service to passengers departing or arriving in Sydney, works via a smartphone app on any iOS or Android device, connecting the traveller to an Aira agent. The Aira trained professional provides on-demand, personalised access to visual information to enhance the everyday experience of the user.

“Participants normally sign up to a plan and pay for the service by the minute, but when they use the service at Sydney Airport, we’re happy to cover the cost to support the visually impaired community,” Mr Culbert said.

Suman Kanuganti Founder and CEO of Aira said the company is excited to welcome Sydney Airport as an Aira Access partner.

"Providing free access to Aira at Australia’s busiest airport enhances the independent travelling experience for those who are blind or have low vision,” said Mr Kanuganti.

Sydney Airport recently opened a Changing-Places accredited bathroom at T1 International Arrivals. The bathroom set includes full-sized changing tables and hoists to assist people with profound disabilities and an assistance animal toilet for companion pets. The facility is wheelchair accessible and contains an artificial turf area, a disposable bin and water bowl for companion animals.

The bathroom also incorporates a Parent Room that has achieved an Australian Breastfeeding Association five-star rating.

To find out more about Sydney Airport’s accessibility options and to download a Journey Planner for helpful tips and contact information for your next airport visit, go to https://www.sydneyairport.com.au/assistance