Support for travellers with hidden disabilities at Adelaide Airport
Helping you travel with confidence and ease
Travelling can be challenging, especially if you or someone you’re travelling with has a hidden disability such as autism, anxiety, dementia, mental health conditions, or sensory or cognitive challenges, including visual or hearing impairment.
Whether you're planning ahead for departure or seeking help on arrival, Adelaide Airport’s Hidden Disabilities Program offers discreet, personalised support to help you travel with dignity and confidence. From check-in to baggage reclaim, our trained staff are here to assist you every step of the way.
Trained staff and accessible facilities
We aim to make your airport experience calm, clear, and dignified. Our team is trained to support travellers with hidden disabilities, including recognising the sunflower lanyard and responding with understanding.
We provide sensory maps, hearing loops, sensory tools, and other accessible facilities throughout the terminal to help you travel with confidence.
If you need extra time, a quieter route, or additional assistance, our Hidden Disabilities Program makes it easy to let staff know and get the support you need.
Hidden disabilities support and services
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
Adelaide Airport proudly supports the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, helping our team recognise when you might need extra understanding or assistance. The lanyard is a discreet, visible sign that you may benefit from more time, flexibility, or clear communication.
How to request a lanyard
- Before you travel: Complete our online hidden disability request form.
- On the day: Collect your lanyard from the Welcome Desk, Level 0 (open Monday–Friday, 7:30am to 9:30pm and Saturday - Sunday from 7:30am to 5:30pm).
- A confirmation email will outline everything you need to know.
- You can collect it yourself or have someone collect it on your behalf.
How the lanyard helps
Wearing the sunflower lanyard lets our trained staff know that you may need extra support to make your journey easier. While it doesn’t provide priority access, it does ensure our team is aware and ready to assist.
With the lanyard, you can:
- Use the dedicated assistance lane at security screening.
- Expect screening staff to communicate clearly, move at a pace that works for you, and be as respectful and efficient as possible.
- Approach any Adelaide Airport team member if you need help or are feeling overwhelmed.
- Use the dedicated priority seating at the boarding gate
What the lanyard doesn’t include
To help you plan your journey, please note:
- No fast-tracked access through security or passport control.
- No personal escort through the airport.
- No guaranteed baggage assistance.
- No exemption from standard security or border procedures.
- The lanyard is just one way we aim to make Adelaide Airport more inclusive, supportive and welcoming for all travellers.
Book our facility dog
Adelaide Airport offers a free 45-minute assistance dog service to help travellers feel calm and comfortable before their flight.
Our trained facility dog, Elmo, provides gentle emotional support for travellers who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unfamiliar with the airport environment. This service is available to anyone, including first-time flyers and travellers with hidden disabilities.
Service hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday, weekends, and public holidays: not available
If you would like to use this service, please plan your booking within the available times.
Service hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday, weekends, and public holidays: not available
If you would like to use this service, please plan your booking within the available times.
This service is part of Adelaide Airport’s commitment to making travel welcoming and accessible for all travellers.
How to book
- Complete the [facility dog booking form].
- Include your flight date and time, and select an available time slot
- Specify the type of support you’re seeking.
- Provide any additional information to help us tailor the service to your needs.
- Meet Elmo and his handler at your confirmed time at Elmo’s dedicated stand in the check-in hall on Level 2 of the terminal, opposite the seating area. Please refer to information provided in your confirmation and reminder email.
Sensory maps and social stories
Our sensory maps help you understand which areas of the terminal are busy or quiet, highlighting light levels, noise, and crowd flow, so you can plan your route and take breaks as needed. Social stories and visual guides are available to help you understand each step of the airport experience, from check-in to boarding.
Our sensory maps, highlight areas of the airport by their sensory load, from low to very high, to help you plan your route and find the quietest spaces.
Extra support services
Easy English Guide
A book about some of the things we do to help people with disabilities. We can help you.
Try Before You Fly
Experience a practice run at the airport so you feel confident on travel day.
Airline Contacts
Quick access to customer service details for all airlines at Adelaide Airport.
Where to find help
There are friendly people all over Adelaide Airport ready to lend a hand, answer questions, or help you get to where you need to be.
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