Dubai: The Airports Council International (ACI) emphasized during the 5th Accessible Travel and Tourism International Conference (ATTIC 2025) the importance of adopting universal design principles at every stage of airport planning and operations, describing it as a strategic investment that enhances operational efficiency and improves the travel experience for all passengers without exception.

The Council explained that universal design—creating environments that can be used by everyone without the need for modification—is no longer merely an ethical choice, but a commercial and sustainable necessity, as the number of travelers is expected to double in the coming years.

During the conference, held as part of the AccessAbilities Expo 2025, the Council noted that integrating global accessibility standards into facilities and operational technologies helps improve passenger flow, facilitate services, and reduce costs associated with future retrofits or modifications.

A spokesperson for the Council stated:

“Airports are the gateways to the world, and today, they must be inclusive gateways that enable everyone to travel independently and with dignity. Investing in universal design is an investment in both the passenger experience and the airport’s reputation as a human-centered and intelligent facility.”

Design That Serves People First

The Council called on all stakeholders in the aviation sector to implement practical solutions, including:

• Designing service counters with low sections and ample passageways for wheelchair users and families.
• Providing assistive hearing systems equipped with adjustable sound controls and visual indicators.
• Using comfortable lighting that facilitates visual communication between staff and passengers.
• Incorporating screen readers and touch-activated buttons in self-service devices.
• Ensuring compliance with World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) accessibility standards across all digital applications.
• Providing quiet areas and closed captioning in visual content to promote sensory and cognitive inclusion.
   

Sustainable Partnerships and Collaboration

The Council also underscored the importance of collaboration with disability organizations, senior citizens, and local communities, and recommended the establishment of permanent advisory committees within airports to review plans, assess performance, and continuously develop services.

In its concluding remarks, ACI reaffirmed that innovation begins with universal design, and that airports placing people at the heart of planning will be best positioned to achieve sustainability and excellence in the global travel experience.