Tourexpi
Lufthansa has joined the global Hidden Disabilities
Sunflower Program as of 1 December, marking a significant step toward improving
the travel experience for passengers with non-visible disabilities. The
initiative enables affected individuals to discreetly signal that they may
require more time, patience or assistance. The recognizable emblem – a yellow
sunflower on a green background – is typically worn as a lanyard and is already
used in many busy public environments such as airports, train stations, supermarkets,
theatres and universities. Within the Lufthansa Group, Austrian Airlines,
Eurowings, SWISS and now Lufthansa have adopted the program, with all remaining
airlines expected to participate by the end of 2026.
Supporting over one billion people with invisible
disabilities
An estimated 1.3 billion people worldwide live with
some form of disability, and up to 80 percent of them – more than one billion
individuals – have an invisible disability such as a chronic illness, mental
health condition or sensory impairment. Air travel can pose particular
challenges for these passengers. The Sunflower symbol offers a discreet way to
indicate additional needs, while giving travellers full autonomy over whether
they wish to use the program. Lufthansa has recently trained its ground and cabin
crews to recognize the symbol and to provide respectful, attentive support.
Implementation at Frankfurt and Munich airports
The Sunflower Program is being rolled out at
Lufthansa’s two home airports. Munich is implementing the initiative
immediately; Frankfurt will follow in January 2026. From these dates, Sunflower
lanyards will be available at airport information desks and special services
counters, as well as at the Lufthansa special services counters in both cities.
Passengers with non-visible disabilities may also seek assistance at any time
without wearing a Sunflower lanyard. The symbol does not replace escort or wheelchair
services, nor does it grant priority at check-in, security or boarding.
Instead, the focus is on raising awareness and fostering empathy throughout the
passenger journey.
A broader commitment to accessible travel
Across the Lufthansa Group, multiple initiatives are
underway to enhance accessibility. In November, Lufthansa hosted its first
Accessibility Customer Advisory Committee at its Frankfurt headquarters. The
committee comprises members with reduced mobility, visual and hearing
impairments, cognitive disabilities and other accessibility needs. Their
insights will help refine and expand the Group’s services, ensuring more
inclusive travel experiences for passengers with both visible and invisible
disabilities.
Image
Credit: © Lufthansa Group
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