Exploring autism-friendly initiatives in Australian airports: ‘A lot better than a lot of airports that I’ve experienced’

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Edwards, C., Love, A. M., Cai, R. Y., Tutton, T., & Gibbs, V. (2024). Exploring autism-friendly initiatives in Australian airports: ‘A lot better than a lot of airports that I’ve experienced’. Current Issues in Tourism, 29(14), 2878-2894. https://doi.org/10.1080/13683500.2024.2422049

Publication date: 29 Oct 2024 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
5
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 5 (20.0%)
  1. Chris Edwards *
  2. Abigail M.A. Love
  3. Ru Ying Cai
  4. Tom Tutton
  5. Vicki Gibbs

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of autism-friendly initiatives implemented at two major Australian airports: Sydney and Gold Coast. As accessible air travel is essential for the social inclusion of Autistic individuals, ensuring that airports meet their specific needs is critical. Focusing on the lived experiences of Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children, the research seeks to assess how well these initiatives align with the needs of Autistic travellers and to identify any opportunities to further enhance airport accessibility. Through reflexive thematic analysis of interviews with 13 participants, the study generated themes related to persistent sensory challenges, the importance of planning and accessible quiet spaces, and the significant benefits associated with the Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard. Although participants acknowledged the strides made in improving accessibility, they also highlighted areas that would benefit from further attention, particularly in communication and proactive support from airport personnel. The findings emphasise the pivotal role airports play in either facilitating or hindering the travel experiences and opportunities of Autistic individuals. The study concludes with a call for policy and practice reforms, advocating for the broader implementation of standardised autism-friendly initiatives and comprehensive staff training to ensure a consistently supportive environment for Autistic travellers.

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Cited references
32
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
4 / 32 (12.5%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
4 / 129 (3.1%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 4 / 18 (22.2%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 4 / 126 (3.2%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
18 / 129 (14.0%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 18 / 126 (14.3%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
14 / 18 (77.8%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 14 / 129 (10.9%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 14 / 18 (77.8%).
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