(Canada) Air Canada to host Autism Aviation Day
- The end of childhood
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
April 3, 2025, Pax News: Sensory Room opens at YEG; Air Canada partners to host Autism Aviation Day
Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation have partnered with the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Autism Edmonton to host Autism Aviation Day this coming weekend at YEG.
It’s the first of series of planned Autism Aviation events Air Canada will host across the country in 2025.
It aims to provide a supportive environment where children on the spectrum can familiarize themselves with elements of air travel involving the entire pre-flight process, helping to ease anxiety and build confidence for future journeys — not only for the children but also for their parents.
Air Canada has also donated a row of aircraft seats to Edmonton International Airport's new Sensory Room, which recently opened to offer respite for neurodivergent passengers, including those with autism, anxiety or other sensory processing challenges.
The sensory room, developed in collaboration with Autism Edmonton, is located post-security in the domestic-international departures lounge across from Gate 49.
It offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport environment for passengers to unwind in a calm and tranquil setting.
Inside the sensory room, passengers will find a quiet space with interactive panels for tactile, visual and auditory engagement, a five-foot-wide sensory pad to provide a safe and comfortable retreat and a soothing visual experience with a time-lapsed video display of the Northern Lights.
It also has lit benches with changing colours and rows of aircraft seating donated by airline partners help travellers familiarize themselves with the in-flight experience.
"Autism Aviation Days are more than just practice runs — they're a gateway to confidence," said Rebecca Smillie-Nedelec, director, community engagement at Air Canada, in a press release. "For many families, the opportunity to practice the airport and flight process in a supportive and flexible environment can make their future air travel dreams a reality. These events have a lasting impact, helping children feel more comfortable and ultimately improving the quality of life for families who may have otherwise avoid flying."
In 2024, Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation held four Autism Aviation Days, helping over 125 children and their families learn more about air travel.
The next Autism Aviation Day will take place on May 10 in Kamloops.
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