At iGA Istanbul Airport, we approach accessibility from a rights-based perspective, striving to create a seamless, enjoyable, and independent journey for people with disabilities through our IGA Cares solutions. We actively promote their participation in daily life. To achieve this, we’ve invited people with various disabilities—including wheelchair users, those with visual or hearing impairments, and people with autism and Down syndrome—to experience our airport firsthand. Inviting other team members and stakeholders to these field trips, designing trainings, and having colleagues with disabilities has increased awareness and made accessibility a more integral part of our workplace.
Recently, as part of iGA Cares, we launched My Route, an indoor navigation interface designed for and with blind people, available in the Istanbul Airport mobile application. This app allows blind people to locate themselves, explore their surroundings, and receive step-by-step voice navigation to their destinations. If they need additional assistance, such as finding a seat or checking if they are in the right place, our video call center is available. Here, our agents can guide them using the user’s camera.
Not only are we improving our services, but we are also collaborating with our stakeholders and participating in national and international organizations to contibute creating an end-to-end independent journey for people with disabilities. A prime example of our collaborative efforts is Inclavi, which stands for Inclusive Aviation. This European Commission-funded project brings together academics, accessibility professionals, and businesses from the aviation sector. Inclavi aims to develop an inclusive training program for aviation sector and academics, ensuring employees have a consistent level of awareness and creating a more inclusive workforce.
To make air travel more accessible and inclusive for everyone, we must continue to collaborate with stakeholders across the industry and promote a unified commitment to accessibility.
By: Hilal Kahraman – Experience Design and Segment Management Chief
Istanbul Airport
