As part of its commitment to a more accessible travel experience, Avianca has 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.
“Joining the Sunflower program reflects our commitment to inclusion and to providing tools that help us better connect with travelers. Our team is ready to assist those who may need extra support, making every flight an opportunity to engage with our passengers. Every traveler deserves to feel secure and supported. At Avianca, we continue building an experience where the sky belongs to everyone,” said Mike Swiatek, Chief Accessibility Officer at Abra.
“As Regional Director of HD Sunflower for Latin America, I’m very excited about the launch of this initiative with Avianca. Now, travelers using the lanyard can be recognized and feel supported throughout their journey,” said Flavia Callafange.
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.
Avianca staff are always ready to support passengers, and the airline encourages travelers who have a disability or may need assistance to inform ground and onboard teams.
