Zayed International Airport Achieves Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation

Zayed International Airport (AUH) has reached an important milestone in its journey to become one of the most accessible airports in the world. The airport has been awarded Level 2 Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation by the Airports Council International (ACI) World programme. This recognition highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building an airport where every traveller feels welcome, safe, and supported.

This success comes only a year after the airport earned its Level 1 accreditation in 2024. With this step forward, Zayed International Airport is now seen as a leader in making air travel more inclusive across the Middle East.

A Step Toward Inclusive Travel

The Level 2 accreditation is more than just an award. It shows that Zayed International Airport has taken strong action to improve accessibility in every part of its operations.

The airport developed a comprehensive accessibility plan supported by staff training, smart governance, and modern infrastructure. From booking tickets online to boarding flights, the airport ensures that passengers with different needs are supported at every stage of their journey.

This achievement also matches the UAE’s broader goals. The airport’s work is aligned with the UAE National Policy for Empowering People of Determination, Federal Law No. 29 on the Rights of People with Special Needs, and the UAE Digital Accessibility Policy. By going beyond minimum requirements, the airport shows its dedication to real inclusion.

Accessible Digital Platforms

Travel begins long before passengers arrive at the airport. Knowing this, Zayed International Airport has built a user-friendly digital ecosystem that helps travellers prepare for their journey with ease.

The airport’s website meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, which are global benchmarks for accessible websites. It also features Recite Me assistive technology. This tool offers:

• Text-to-speech support for people with visual impairments.
• Customizable fonts and reading aids for passengers with dyslexia or learning challenges.
• Translation into over 100 languages to assist international travellers.

These tools make online information easy to access for everyone. Passengers can check flight details, read guides, and manage bookings without barriers.

Passenger-Friendly Services

At Zayed International Airport, accessibility is not treated as an extra feature. It is part of the core passenger experience.

The airport has made several improvements to make travel smoother:

• Staff training programmes ensure employees know how to assist passengers with special needs.
• Clear signage and wayfinding systems help people with visual impairments navigate easily.
• Wheelchair support and mobility assistance are available throughout the terminal.
• Priority check-in and security lanes reduce stress for passengers who need extra time or care.

These steps help create a travel environment where people of determination and other passengers with different needs can travel comfortably and with dignity.

One of the strengths of Zayed International Airport is its commitment to listening to the community. The airport regularly engages with disability advocacy groups and people of determination. Their feedback is used to improve services and design new solutions.

Workshops, consultations, and pilot projects allow the airport to test ideas before rolling them out. This approach ensures that policies are practical and truly helpful for those who need them.

Leadership’s Vision

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, highlighted the importance of this achievement. She said:

“Eighteen months ago, we opened Zayed International Airport with a vision to create a world-class gateway that welcomes every guest. Achieving Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation, following our Level 1 recognition in 2024, demonstrates we are delivering on that promise.”

Her message makes it clear that accessibility is not a side project. It is a central part of the airport’s mission.

Setting a Regional Benchmark

This recognition places Abu Dhabi at the forefront of accessible aviation in the Middle East. Many airports in the region are growing quickly, but few have invested so deeply in inclusive travel.

For Zayed International Airport, accessibility is not just about doing the right thing. It also strengthens its position as a preferred hub for global travellers. A comfortable, stress-free journey encourages more passengers to choose Abu Dhabi as their gateway.

What the Accreditation Means

The ACI Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation programme is respected worldwide. It has several levels:

• Level 1 focuses on building a strategy and governance model.
• Level 2, which AUH has now achieved, shows that real improvements have been applied across operations.
• Higher levels involve benchmarking against global leaders, advanced community engagement, and continuous innovation.

By earning Level 2, Zayed International Airport has proven that it can deliver on its promises. It is now ready to aim for even higher recognition in the years to come.

Supporting the UAE’s National Vision

The UAE is known for its commitment to empowering people of determination. The country has introduced strong laws and national policies to guarantee equal rights in education, employment, and mobility.

In aviation, these efforts are clearly visible. Zayed International Airport’s new accreditation is another step that supports the UAE’s goal of becoming one of the most inclusive nations in the world.

Looking Ahead

The airport is not stopping here. Plans are already in place to take accessibility to the next level. Some upcoming initiatives include:

• Adding more assistive technologies to mobile apps and kiosks.
• Using AI-powered navigation systems to help visually impaired travellers move around more independently.
• Expanding staff training to share knowledge with other airports in the region.
• Partnering with global accessibility experts to keep improving standards.

These steps will help Zayed International Airport move closer to becoming a global leader in inclusive aviation.

Why Accessibility in Airports Matters

For many passengers, air travel can feel overwhelming. For people of determination, it can be even more challenging due to physical, digital, or communication barriers.

By breaking down these barriers, Zayed International Airport is showing that accessibility benefits everyone—not just people with disabilities. Families with children, elderly passengers, and even travellers with temporary injuries also gain from a more inclusive airport design.

Accessibility is not a small detail. It is a core part of creating a safe, welcoming, and efficient travel experience for all.

Final Thoughts

The Level 2 Accessibility Accreditation from ACI is a proud moment for Zayed International Airport and Abu Dhabi. It proves that the airport is serious about inclusion, not just as a policy but as a lived experience for travellers.

By combining advanced digital tools, improved services, and constant community engagement, the airport has become a symbol of what accessible travel should look like. This recognition positions Abu Dhabi as a true leader in the aviation sector, offering every traveller comfort, dignity, and independence.