Salvador Bahia Airport Hosts Guided Tour for Children and Youth with ASD

· Action held on April 24 and 29 included 50 families;

· Initiative simulated the stages of air travel and was nationally recognized with the 2024 Jatobá Corporate Communication Award.

MAY, 2024 – Salvador Bahia Airport held guided tours on April 24 and 29 for 50 children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The initiative, in partnership with Instituto Afetto, simulated all stages of an air trip within the passenger terminal — from check-in to arrival — providing an immersive and adapted experience for the participants, many of whom had never been to an airport before.

On April 24, young people from the State Reference Center for People with ASD (CREATEA) took part in the tour, while on April 29, families supported by Centro Palmares participated. Anna Clara, one of the participants, shared her excitement: “It was very cool and fun. I didn’t know that the plane could carry cargo in the back. And if I can, I want to come back many more times!”

For Tatiane Souza, president of Centro Palmares, the initiative opened new doors: “It was unexpected. The airport is seen as a place with little access, and many mothers had never been here either. Getting to know the entire process, from getting the ticket to arrival, was essential to include not only the children but their families. Many think the environment could unsettle young people because of the noise and lights, but the experience was transformative.”

Now in its second year, the initiative was recognized in 2024 with the Jatobá Corporate Communication Award and reflects Salvador Bahia Airport’s purpose to “connect people to transform stories.” By promoting autonomy for neurodivergent individuals, the airport strengthens its vision that airports are for everyone and can — and should — be welcoming and inspiring spaces.

“This initiative goes far beyond a simple visit to the airport. It is about breaking down invisible barriers and building bridges to a world that often seems distant for people with ASD and their families. As part of VINCI Airports, we are committed not only to operating airports but to transforming them into truly inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong. Seeing these children and young people discovering new possibilities is the embodiment of our purpose: to connect people to transform stories,” highlighted Daniela Franco, Communication Manager at VINCI Airports in Brazil.

About Salvador Bahia Airport

Located in the capital of the state of Bahia, Salvador Bahia Airport is the first concession of the VINCI Airports network in Brazil, which took over its operation on January 2, 2018. Since then, the Salvador Airport has incorporated global operational standards, seeking to offer greater efficiency, safety, and a better travel experience for its passengers. With an investment of R$ 700 million in modernization and terminal expansion works, it increased its capacity by 50%, serving up to 15 million passengers per year. Additionally, it was recognized with the Ethnoracial Diversity Seal by the Municipal Secretariat of Reparations of Salvador for its initiatives to combat institutional racism. Salvador Bahia Airport also stands out as the “Most Sustainable Airport in Brazil,” leading environmental preservation actions.

About VINCI Airports

VINCI Airports, a world leader in private airport operations, manages over 70 airports in 14 countries. Thanks to its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds, and operates airports, providing its investment capacity and know-how to optimize operational performance, modernize infrastructure, manage operations, and drive environmental transition. VINCI Airports was the first airport operator to commit to an international environmental strategy in 2016, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions across its network by 2050.

For more information: www.vinci-airports.com

@VINCIAirports https://www.linkedin.com/company/vinci-airports/