Travellers with disabilities could benefit from a more accessible and welcoming airport experience as Fiji Airports steps up efforts to improve disability inclusion at Labasa Airport.

A Disability Inclusion Awareness Workshop is currently being conducted for airport employees and key stakeholders, with the aim of improving their understanding of the needs and challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

The training is facilitated by the Fiji Program Support Facility (FPSF) in partnership with the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation (FDPF), and is being delivered through two sessions.

Participants are being introduced to different forms of disability, relevant policies and legislation, as well as practical approaches to improving accessibility throughout airport facilities, daily operations and customer service delivery.

The workshop also allows airport personnel and stakeholders to examine barriers that may prevent persons with disabilities from accessing services comfortably and independently.

Through the training, Fiji Airports hopes to strengthen staff awareness and encourage practical improvements that make travelling through Labasa Airport easier and more inclusive for everyone.

The initiative is funded by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation (MTCA) through its Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Flexible Fund, administered by FPSF under an Australian Government development programme.

The initiative highlights the importance of ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are considered at every stage of the passenger journey, long before travellers board their flights.