Accessibility at airports
Airports are one of the main gateways to your destination and that dream holiday. Spain aims to ensure that all travellers, regardless of their needs, have a satisfactory experience, and can travel comfortably, safely and autonomously.Thanks to a modern airport network and a firm commitment to accessibility, Spanish airports offer adapted services and spaces that facilitate the transit of millions of passengers every year.
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Are Spanish airports accessible?
Spain has one of the most extensive and efficient airport networks in Europe. And most of the country's airports, managed by Aena, are designed according to universal accessibility criteria and their infrastructures and services are continuously being improved.
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Are there helpers at airports?
Yes. Spanish airports have an assistance service, at no additional cost, for people with disabilities or reduced mobility. They will help you during your stay, facilitating your transfers and attending to your needs before and after your flight.
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Who is the assistance service for?
The Barrier-Free Service offered at Spanish airports is aimed at:- Passengers with a physical or mental disability (sensory or mobility, permanent or temporary).- Elderly travellers.
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How can I ask for assistance?
You must request the assistance service at least 48 hours before your flight.You can ask for help through the Aena website or by calling (+34) 91 321 10 00. In addition, you should know that you can book the service for up to four flights in the same request.You can also do this through the airline you fly with. Be sure to specify your needs at the time of booking and report your arrival at the various meeting points that are signposted at all airports. Because airlines may place limitations on transporting your own wheelchair or scooter, it is advisable to announce this in advance.
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What information do I need to provide to request the service?
Your contact details, your specific assistance needs and the flight details: date, time, flight number, as well as departure and arrival airports.
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What do I need to know before going to the airport?
We recommend arriving at the airport at least two and a half hours before takeoff. If you are travelling early in the morning, it is advisable to find out the opening time of the terminal beforehand. Once there, you must report your arrival at your airline's check-in desk, where you will be met by the person who will accompany you.
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What help will I get when I arrive at my destination airport?
When you arrive at your destination:- A person will meet you at the aircraft to facilitate your disembarkation and help you with your hand luggage.- If you have checked baggage, you will go together to the departure lounge.- Finally, they will accompany you through the necessary checkpoints until you reach the meeting point.
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What about when I fly back to my country?
The person assigned to help you will pick you up at the meeting point of your choice. Then:- They will help you with your luggage- They will accompany you to the check-in desk and help you check in.- They will go with you all the way to the boarding area, including through the security checkpoints.- They will board the plane with you, until you are in your seat.
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Is there personalised assistance for hearing-impaired people?
Yes, hearing-impaired people also have a support channel via WhatsApp. You can request it at this link.
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What if I have a so-called invisible disability?
If you have one of the so-called invisible disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Spanish airports have a special service. It is designed so that, even if you don't need it or if you prefer to be at the airport autonomously, the stress and anxiety caused by the departure and arrival process is reduced as far as possible.It is a badge that indicates to airport staff that the traveller wearing it may need support, help, or simply understanding and a little extra time for any activity within the facility. When you show it:- You will be able to access the airport's dedicated security checkpoint for families and persons with reduced mobility (PRMs).- If the airport does not have such a security checkpoint, you will be helped through the general security checkpoint.
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Are there adapted toilets at airports?
Yes, airports have toilets adapted for people with reduced mobility or wheelchairs. There are also toilets for passengers with ostomies. They include:- Porcelain washbasin and adapted drainage.- Single-lever mixer taps.- Hand shower with trigger and extension cord.- Front with: mirror, stainless steel hook, toilet roll holder, automatic liquid soap dispenser, and recessed waste bin.
