Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) is determined to be one of the most accessible and all inclusive gateways on the planet.
In line with this philosophy, it has announced its accessibility and inclusion offerings, integrated into the infrastructure and customer experience design from the outset as Australia’s first major greenfield airport in more than 50 years.
WSI’s state-of-the-art terminal includes sensory spaces, multi-faith prayer and quiet rooms, hearing loop technology, pet relief areas, accessible family rooms, support areas for people with reduced mobility, and accessible wayfinding throughout the airport.
Accessible access to arrival and departure areas is important in supporting safe, convenient and independent access between transport services and terminal facilities. This is why WSI has dedicated kerbside accessible bays close to the terminal for both drop-off and pick-up.
WSI CEO, Simon Hickey, reiterated that delivering an airport for people of all abilities was an important consideration across WSI’s design.
He says: “We are proud to deliver spaces, technology and nation-leading facilities throughout our airport that are designed to make the travel experience less stressful, more accessible, and a dignified experience for people of many abilities, beliefs and preferences.
“There are purpose-built facilities like our sensory spaces, multi-faith rooms and pet relief facilities, which offer passengers control, choice, safety and inclusion.
“Then, there are elements integrated across our design, including a lift at every gate to ensure the careful and safe carriage of wheelchairs down to tarmac and onto the aircraft.
“The WSI terminal has been designed around a digitally enabled passenger experience that caters to different communication needs, with information available through multiple formats including hearing loop technology, terminal displays and digital platforms.
“These facilities and technologies are designed to enable more members of the community to travel comfortably and confidently through the airport.”
The airport notes that its Access and Inclusion Strategy was developed in consultation with industry bodies and community groups, including speciality disability partner Get Skilled Access, the Australian Disability Network and Diversity Council Australia.
This engagement, it says, has assisted in identifying potential barriers, better understanding the needs of passengers with disability, and enabling training of staff to support passengers with a diverse range of needs.
Co-CEO of Get Skilled Access (GSA) Zack Alcott said travel should be accessible to everyone.
“WSI has demonstrated a genuine commitment to understanding the needs of people with disability and embedding inclusion throughout the passenger experience,” he enthuses.
“We are proud to have supported the development of its Access and Inclusion Strategy, helping create an airport where more people can travel with confidence, independence and dignity.”
