Avianca Joined Sunflower Program with Over 3,100 Employees Trained in Hidden Disabilities

As part of its commitment to a more accessible travel experience, Avianca joined the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training more than 3,100 operational employees to assist passengers with hidden disabilities. The initiative aims to promote inclusion, acceptance, and understanding by allowing travelers to discreetly and voluntarily wear the sunflower lanyard, a symbol indicating they may need extra time or assistance during their journey. Thanks to this training, nearly 60% of Avianca’s operational team is equipped to recognize the lanyard, understand its purpose, and provide empathetic, respectful support—helping ensure a more humane flight experience for all passengers. The Sunflower lanyard does not confer priority service; rather, it serves as a tool to promote understanding for travelers with hidden disabilities. Its use is entirely voluntary and can be requested at participating airports or Avianca’s Special Assistance counters. During the training process, Avianca’s teams learned about different types of intellectual and psychosocial disabilities, as well as neurodivergence, along with inclusive communication strategies, crisis management, and ways to support accompanying family members or caregivers. The airline continues to advance its accessibility strategy, recognizing that this is an ongoing journey and seeking guidance and feedback from experts and relevant authorities. This initiative builds on other efforts aimed at improving accessibility and the travel experience, such as “El Dorado a tu Ritmo,” a program at Bogotá’s airport that also promotes more inclusive and empathetic spaces. Initiatives like these highlight that creating a more accessible travel experience is a shared commitment among airlines, airports, and all industry stakeholders. For more information, visit www.avianca.com.

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