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GERMANY. Today’s selection of images comes from Frankfurt Airport, where a sunflower lanyard carries a quietly powerful message: not all disabilities are visible.
Frankfurt Airport joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program on 1 January as part of wider efforts to support inclusivity. As reported, Frankfurt Airport served 63.2 million passengers in 2025, a +2.6% year-on-year rise.
The sunflower lanyard is available free of charge on a voluntary basis at the airport. The sunflower emblem discreetly signals that the wearer may require additional time, understanding or assistance while travelling.
Frankfurt Airport Head of Aviation Passenger Process Sascha König commented, “By participating in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, we support individuals with non-visible disabilities throughout their journey at Frankfurt Airport.
“The Sunflower Lanyard enables passengers to discreetly indicate that they may require assistance. Our trained staff – as well as many fellow travellers – recognise this symbol and are prepared to respond to special needs with understanding, patience and support. Together, we foster a welcoming and respectful environment for everyone.”
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower CEO Paul White added: “We are thrilled to welcome Frankfurt Airport to the growing number of airports that are part of the global Sunflower network. Staff at the airport have been Sunflower-trained to offer support, understanding and kindness to passengers with non-visible disabilities who choose to wear the Sunflower.
“As a Sunflower-friendly airport, Sunflower wearers feel increased confidence that each journey is a positive experience, which improves customer satisfaction and loyalty, while making a valuable step towards accessibility and inclusion.”
The Sunflower Program was first introduced in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport and has since grown into an internationally recognised initiative, adopted by airports, transport hubs, retailers and public institutions worldwide. ✈
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AIRPORT INCLUSIVITY WORLDThis story forms part of our Airport Inclusivity World coverage, the latest addition to our diverse, market-leading travel retail and airport non-aeronautical revenues content. Airport Inclusivity World embraces a wide array of key subjects including airport Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Mobility. With the World Health Organization estimating that 1.3 billion people – about one in six worldwide – experience significant disability, we see this subject as a key element in our world-leading passenger experience content.
More widely, we regard airports as a crossroads of humanity, gateways of the world that theoretically are unshackled by class, cultural, racial, religious, gender, age, nationality or sexual orientation barriers. We feel a deep commitment to and responsibility for championing and advancing that status. Keep an eye out for our Airport Inclusivity World LinkedIn newsletter, coming soon. Read the permanently archived website stories from our Airport Inclusivity World coverage here. Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for instant, quality global coverage. |
