Wednesday, August 21, 2024 The Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) is proud to introduce three innovative accessibility programs at Halifax Stanfield Airport, aimed at removing barriers and improving the travel experience for all passengers. The newly launched initiatives include the Sunflower Program, the Aira App, and Hearing Loops. The Sunflower Program is designed to support travelers and visitors with non-visible disabilities, offering a discreet way to signal to airport staff that they may need extra assistance.

By wearing a sunflower lanyard or other sunflower-branded items, individuals can easily communicate their need for additional support without having to explain their condition. The Aira App is another groundbreaking service now available at Halifax Stanfield. By simply using their smartphone, travelers can connect with Aira-trained professionals who provide real-time, on-demand visual assistance as they navigate the airport.

This service is especially beneficial for individuals who are blind or have low vision, offering them greater independence and confidence during their journey. Hearing Loops, the third initiative, revolutionizes the way sound is transmitted to those with compatible hearing aids or cochlear implants. By eliminating background noise and directly transmitting sound to these devices, Hearing Loops significantly improve speech comprehension for travelers and visitors with hearing impairments throughout the airport.

These new programs u.