Supporting passengers with non-visible disabilities
Cologne Bonn Airport has officially joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, reinforcing its commitment to creating a more inclusive travel experience for all passengers.
From 9 July, passengers with non-visible disabilities can collect a free Sunflower lanyard at the information desk in Terminal 1, helping them discreetly indicate that they may need additional understanding, patience, or support during their journey.
What Is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for people with disabilities or conditions that may not be immediately visible. Wearing the green Sunflower lanyard is entirely voluntary and allows individuals to discreetly signal that they may need extra time, assistance, or understanding.
Non-visible disabilities can include:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Anxiety disorders
- Chronic illnesses
- And many other conditions
The Sunflower does not reveal a person's disability, t simply encourages greater awareness, empathy, and supportive interactions.
Creating a more inclusive airport experience
As part of the programme, customer-facing employees at Cologne Bonn Airport have received training to recognise the Sunflower and understand how to support passengers who choose to wear it.
At Cologne Bonn Airport, we want to provide everyone with the most pleasant and independent travel experience possible. By participating in the Sunflower programme, we are raising awareness of invisible disabilities and promoting respectful and understanding interactions with one another,
said Nicolas Novacek, Head of Aviation & Ground Services at Flughafen Köln/Bonn GmbH.
The Sunflower lanyard is available free of charge and no proof of disability is required. Participation is entirely voluntary. While the Sunflower helps staff recognise when someone may appreciate additional support, it does not provide priority access or special services. Passengers who require formal assistance should continue to arrange this through their airline's assistance service before travelling. For more information about accessible travel, special assistance services and facilities available at Cologne Bonn Airport, visit the airport's Accessibility and Assisted Travel page
Travelling can be overwhelming for people with non-visible disabilities, particularly in busy airport environments. We are delighted to welcome Cologne Bonn Airport to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. By training colleagues to recognise the Sunflower and understand how they can offer support, the airport is helping to ensure more passengers with non-visible disabilities can travel with confidence.
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower commented.
Where to get a Sunflower lanyard
From 9 July, passengers can collect a free Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard from:
- Information Desk
- Terminal 1
- Cologne Bonn Airport
No documentation or proof of disability is required.
About the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme was launched in the United Kingdom in 2016 to help people with non-visible disabilities, conditions, and chronic illnesses navigate public spaces with greater confidence.Today, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is recognised in more than 90 countries, including over 340 airports and 31 airlines, alongside retailers, healthcare organisations, universities, transport providers and many other organisations committed to inclusion.
By joining the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, Cologne Bonn Airport is helping to create a more welcoming and inclusive travel experience for passengers with non-visible disabilities.