Doha, Qatar:Hamad International Airport (HIA) has introduced the Sunflower program, a program that uses a Sunflower as a simple, voluntary way for passengers to share that they have a hidden disability. By wearing the Sunflower, passengers can quietly signal that they may need more time, clearer communication, or additional support while travelling through the airport, helping to create understanding and more supportive interactions across the passenger journey.
Francois Bourienne, Senior Vice President of Commercial, Strategy, and Customer Experiences, said:
"Guided by principles of autonomy, dignity, and predictability, Hamad International Airport continues to design passenger journeys that support diverse needs while maintaining clarity and consistency. The Sunflower program forms part of HIA’s broader accessibility framework, creating a barrier-free and hassle-free airport that truly serves everyone. Guided by our joint commitment with our stakeholders, we will continue investing in fit-for-purpose facilities and services to ensure every journey through our airport is accessible”.
Andy Faulkner, CEO of Topland, exclusive partner of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in the Middle East, added,
“We are pleased to welcome Hamad International Airport in Qatar as a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. As one of the world’s leading airports, Hamad International Airport’s commitment represents an important step in creating more inclusive and accessible travel experiences. Their membership helps raise awareness of hidden disabilities, recognise the diverse needs of passengers and employees, and reinforces the importance of training to ensure that individuals who may need extra support are met with understanding and respect.”
Departing passengers can collect Sunflower lanyards from the information desks located in HIA's check-in area, and transferring passengers can collect lanyards from the information desks located in HIA's Lamp Bear area and the ORCHARD. As a Sunflower-enabled airport, Hamad International Airport integrates the program across key passenger touchpoints to ensure a consistent and supportive experience for passengers who are arriving, transferring, or departing from HIA. The Sunflower symbol is visible across HIA’s terminal to signal to passengers with hidden disabilities. Teams across airport operations, Qatar Airways Group, airline partners, retail, and services have been given awareness about the Sunflower program and trained to recognise the symbol as an additional way passengers may choose to communicate their needs. To know more about the program, please visit Hamad International Airport’s official website https://dohahamadairport.com/airport-guide/traveler-guide/special-assistance.
About Hamad International Airport
Designed to meet and exceed the expectations of global travellers, Hamad International Airport is a diverse lifestyle destination. Housed in one expansive terminal, the airport integrates contemporary shopping and dining options, entertainment and relaxation facilities, and a world-class art collection from internationally acclaimed artists. The airport is a hub to over 57 airline partners and connects to over 190 global destinations. The airport’s commercial and operational functions are managed by MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Management and Operation, and a corporate subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group.
For more information, visit Hamad International Airport’s website www.dohahamadairport.com and follow the airport’s latest news on Hamad International Airport’s social media channels:
Facebook: HIAQatar
Instagram:@HIAQatar
LinkedIn: Hamad International Airport
About Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a global program supporting individuals with non-visible disabilities, chronic conditions, and neurodivergence. Since its inception in the UK in 2016, the Sunflower program has expanded its reach worldwide, working with organizations across a diverse range of sectors, including retail, financial services, transportation (with over 300 airports in 30 countries), travel and tourism, education, healthcare, emergency services, and entertainment. The Sunflower symbol provides individuals with a discreet, voluntary way to share that they have a non-visible disability, chronic condition, or neurodivergence and may need extra assistance, understanding, time, or space. This simple, non-verbal method empowers individuals to navigate their workplace and public spaces with greater confidence and ease, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment. As a privately held multinational company headquartered in the UK, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower operates in numerous countries, including Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Mauritius, the UAE, the UK, and the USA. For more information, visit hdsunflower.com