Incheon International Airport Introduces South Korea’s First ‘Sunflower Lanyard’ to Support Passengers with Non-Visible Disabilities

[Financial News] Incheon International Airport has introduced the ‘Sunflower Project,’ the first initiative of its kind at a South Korean airport for passengers with non-visible difficulties, including autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities and chronic illnesses. Passengers can signal to airport staff that they may need assistance simply by wearing a lanyard, without having to explain their circumstances. The initiative, already in place at around 300 airports overseas, is intended to ease the burden of using the airport for passengers with non-visible disabilities.
Incheon International Airport Corporation announced on the 15th that it had launched the ‘Incheon Airport Sunflower Project’ on the 14th. The Sunflower Project is a global campaign designed to support people with disabilities or difficulties that are not readily apparent, including autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities and chronic illnesses. It began at Gatwick Airport in the United Kingdom in 2016 and has since expanded to transportation facilities and public institutions. Around 300 major airports worldwide now participate.
The centerpiece of the initiative is the ‘Sunflower Lanyard,’ provided to passengers with non-visible disabilities. By wearing the lanyard, passengers can indicate to airport staff that they may need additional assistance without having to explain their circumstances individually. Staff then assess the passenger’s situation and proactively check whether any support is needed.
At Incheon International Airport, Sunflower Lanyards are available at 15 locations, including information desks and volunteer desks. No documentation is required; a lanyard is issued upon request.
The lanyard is separate from the ‘sticker for passengers requiring mobility assistance’ used under existing priority services for passengers with reduced mobility. The sticker is issued at an airline check-in counter after relevant documentation is verified, whereas the Sunflower Lanyard can be obtained without documentation.
Incheon International Airport Corporation is also providing airport-based employees with awareness training on the Sunflower Project and non-visible disabilities. The goal is to establish an airport-wide response system so staff can naturally recognize passengers wearing the lanyard and provide the assistance they need.
Ga-Kyun Shin, head of the Management Division at Incheon International Airport Corporation, said, "We hope this Sunflower Project will serve as an opportunity to naturally connect passengers who need help with airport staff who can provide it. Incheon International Airport will continue to carefully address even the unseen difficulties faced by each passenger and provide inclusive airport services that everyone can use with confidence and comfort."
[email protected] Kim Dong-ho Reporter