Edmonton International Airport (YEG) has unveiled its new sensory room – an immersive space designed to support passengers with sensory sensitivities, including autism, anxiety and other cognitive or neurodivergent challenges.
The sensory room, developed in collaboration with Autism Edmonton, is located post-security in the domestic-international departures lounge. It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport environment for passengers to unwind in a calm and tranquil setting.
“At YEG, we believe airports should be accessible and welcoming for all passengers,” said Carmen Donnelly, Vice President, Passenger Experience & Terminal Operations, Edmonton International Airport. “We also understand that the airport environment can be overwhelming for some individuals. Working with the guidance of Autism Edmonton, we designed our sensory room to offer respite for neurodivergent passengers, including those with autism, anxiety or other sensory processing challenges. We hope this calming space helps make the travel experience easier and more accessible by providing a soothing environment for passengers to take a break before their flight.”
Inside the sensory room, passengers will find a quiet space with:
- Interactive panels for tactile, visual and auditory engagement
- A 5-foot-wide sensory pad to provide a safe and comfortable retreat
- A soothing visual experience with a time-lapsed video display of the Northern Lights
- Lit benches with changing colours provide relaxing seating
- Rows of aircraft seating donated by airline partners help travellers familiarise themselves with the inflight experience
“Autistic individuals have repeatedly told us that travel can be an overwhelming experience for them with their sensory system being overloaded with the sights and sounds an airport brings,” said Melinda Noyes, Executive Director, Autism Edmonton. “Plus, the anxiety of the unknown increases the stress a person can have. Thankfully, YEG has been on the Autism/Neurodivergent learning journey with us at Autism Edmonton. We are proud of the team for creating this sensory room. Filled with carefully chosen sensory items, it will be a vital escape for people looking to self-regulate. Autism Edmonton is proud to be part of this endeavour, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with YEG as they (as well as Edmonton and the surrounding area) create autistic and sensory aware spaces.”
Hear more from Edmonton International Airport at the FTE World Innovation Summit, taking place in Pittsburgh on 13-15 May 2025. Marion N. Chivot-Legris, Director, ESG & Sustainability Strategy, Edmonton International Airport, is participating in an Energy & Sustainability session focused on ‘What are the best approaches to scaling the use of SAF, Electric & Hydrogen across air transport?’ The FTE World Innovation Summit is free to airlines and airports and will bring together over 400 air transport industry innovators for a three-day interdisciplinary series of conference sessions, interactive workshops, tours of the new terminal at PIT and across key innovation sites across Pittsburgh, and networking opportunities.
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