Culture & Travel
1 November 2024Istanbul Airport (İGA) is not only one of Turkey’s most modern and comprehensive airports but also stands among the world's best. With its advanced technology infrastructure, passenger-centered designs, and innovative solutions aimed at maximizing the passenger experience, İGA consistently attracts attention. The goal at İGA is to ensure every passenger enjoys a comfortable experience. With its proactive steps in accessibility, İGA distinguishes itself as a disability-friendly airport by implementing numerous services to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers with disabilities.
At İGA, accessibility standards are considered in every detail, and services in this area are continuously improved so that travelers with disabilities can move freely throughout their journey.
International Standards in Accessibility
While developing disability-friendly solutions, Istanbul Airport (İGA) aligns with international standards, presenting a well-thought-out infrastructure. For easy access across all areas of the airport, details like ramps, dedicated elevators, wide doorways, and designated parking spaces have been meticulously considered. Special information screens and auditory guidance systems are also available to assist guests with visual or hearing impairments, ensuring they are supported throughout the airport. İGA’s attention to this area helps make both pre- and post-flight experiences more accessible.
Special Assistance Services
Special assistance services are provided to ensure that passengers with disabilities feel more comfortable during their travel. From the moment they arrive at İGA to boarding their flight, trained and professional teams are available to offer support. Thanks to İGA's special assistance services, guests with limited mobility can experience a more comfortable journey. Since these services are specially designed for individuals with both physical and cognitive disabilities, passengers with disabilities can feel secure at every stage.
Guidance Paths and Braille Signage for the Visually Impaired
One of İGA’s innovative accessibility features is the special guidance systems for visually impaired passengers. Tactile guidance paths installed on the floors ease movement for visually impaired passengers, and Braille signage at designated points enables them to access the information they need effortlessly. This system is integrated throughout the terminal, allowing independent mobility.
Visual Information Panels for the Hearing Impaired
Designed for passengers with hearing impairments, visual information panels and screens provide detailed information about flight times, directions, and emergency situations. This ensures that hearing-impaired guests can access all information without worrying about missing audio announcements. Additionally, visual alert systems in the terminal are designed so that hearing-impaired passengers can quickly notice important updates.
Barrier-Free Parking and Convenient Access
İGA has thoughtfully designed parking and transportation services for passengers with disabilities. Upon arrival, passengers with disabilities are directed to dedicated parking areas near the terminal, where accessibility is a top priority thanks to the spacious design and proximity to the terminal. Furthermore, passengers arriving at İGA by public transport or private vehicle can comfortably reach the terminal using in-airport transportation vehicles and ramps.
Disability-Friendly Restrooms and Rest Areas
Specially designed restrooms and relaxation areas for passengers with disabilities take accessibility at İGA a step further. These spaces are organized to be more spacious and user-friendly than standard facilities. In İGA’s disability-accessible restrooms, grab bars for physical support and design elements that enable independent movement are provided. In the rest areas, seating arrangements cater to the needs of guests with disabilities, with chairs at suitable heights and accessible seating layouts.
Spacious Interiors and Easy-Access Doors
İGA’s expansive interiors are constructed with passenger comfort in mind, with specific consideration given to ease of movement for guests with disabilities. The width of doorways, the slope of ramps, and the open, accessible pathways make every point in the terminal easy to reach. İGA’s inclusive approach minimizes physical barriers, allowing all passengers to move through the terminal with equal comfort.
Technological Accessibility Solutions
Incorporating technology into accessibility, İGA enables passengers with disabilities to navigate the terminal smoothly with smart guidance systems and mobile applications. Through the mobile app, guests with disabilities can receive information about directions, assistance services, and parking within the terminal. Additionally, İGA representatives are available for real-time support or inquiries.
Disability-Friendly Airports Worldwide
Besides Istanbul Airport, many airports worldwide stand out with disability-friendly initiatives. Major airports like Singapore Changi, Heathrow (London), and Schiphol (Amsterdam) provide special assistance services, technological solutions designed for the visually and hearing impaired, and spacious interior layouts. Singapore Changi, in particular, has received numerous international awards for its large-capacity elevators, visual guidance panels, and dedicated assistance areas for passengers with disabilities. These airports make global travel more accessible, easing the journey for all. Through its services, İGA is recognized as one of the world’s most comprehensive disability-friendly airports.