The new plan incorporates a number of recent access improvements made by the airport, but also accommodates recommendations from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development Disability Access Plan Review (2015) and best practice guidance from the airport industry generally.

General Manager of Launceston Airport, Paul Hodgen, noted that the wellbeing of passengers and visitors to the airport would always be a top priority.

“We seek to ensure that the airport facilities will provide an accessible and friendly environment for all users,” said Mr Hodgen.

The airport consulted widely with a number of local disability advocacy groups and representatives in compiling the plan with a view to provide comprehensive information on its facilities and services.

The Disability Access Facilitation Plan, which is now published on the airport website (www.launcestonairport.com.au), incorporates a new feature which allows visually impaired guests to listen to the content via an audio playback facility.   

The airport has also partnered with a local Launceston family in the design of an “Airport Awareness” booklet aimed at providing travel support for parents and carers of children on the autism spectrum.

“Our team has recognised that an airport can be a very stressful environment especially for some children” said Mr Hodgen.

The airport has made a number of recent improvements to accessibility facilities at the airport including disability car parking bays, improved signage and the renovation of accessible toilets. 

The airport has also engaged the services of a disability access consultant and is working on further accessibility improvements to its website which will be rolled out early in the new year.