Hong Kong airport opens sensory space for passengers with invisible disabilities

Shing Wai-in and her son Justin at the Hong Kong airport’s sensory corner.

Photo: Dickson Lee Hong Kong International Airport has opened a sensory corner to ease travel stress for passengers with invisible disabilities, ranging from autism to dementia.

Major airports around the world, including Singapore Changi and London Heathrow, have introduced sensory rooms or quiet zones for neurodivergent travellers in recent years, as part of a wider effort to enhance inclusivity.

Chris Au Young, the Airport Authority’s general manager of terminal and passenger experience, said the 30 square metre (323 sq ft) room was located near Gate 10 on departure level six of Terminal One.

It was designed for passengers with invisible disabilities such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), claustrophobia and dementia, he said. “Travelling presents many challenges for these individuals, as they must engage unfamiliar surroundings, dense crowds and the stressful security and immigration clearance process,” he said. “The sensory corner will provide a calming and secure space for them to focus on themselves and soothe their emotions, through the deliberate use of space, atmosphere, colour, materials and sound.” Au Young said the authority would join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower global initiative in two months, and staff were being trained to equip them with the knowledge and skills to support passengers with invisible disabilities.

Those with invisible disabilities could collect a sunflower-printed lanyard at customer service counters and hang it around their neck to discreetly indicate they may need extra support and time.

Chris Au Young, the Airport Authority’s general manager of terminal and passenger experience, says the sensory corner will provide a calming and secure space.

Photo: Dickson Lee The facility is free to passengers of all ages.

It is open daily from 5am to midnight and can accommodate 12 people at a time.

No reservation is needed for now, but the airport will consider introducing bookings if the demand rises.

Inside, the room features padded walls and flooring, providing a safe environment for users to crawl, roll, jump, or lie down to ground their nervous systems and stabilise their emotions.

They can choose to relax in the quiet zone, which consists of two booths simulating an enclosed cabin environment, designed to help them psychologically prepare for the coming flight.

Alternatively, passengers can enjoy a variety of vis

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