A specially-curated airport journey with Butterfly Effect initiative
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As the custodian of the nation’s gateways, Malaysia Airports is playing its role to portray an inclusive society and augment its services by catering to the needs of people with hidden disabilities. This is in line with Malaysia Airports' aim of hosting joyful connections for all their passengers and making air travel accessible for all.
In conjunction with the World Autism Awareness month in April, the premier airport held a Butterfly Effect walkabout as part of its efforts to provide an inclusive airport experience for passengers. The walkabout allowed media representatives, parents of children with autism as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), National Council for Persons with Disabilities, Autism Behavioural Centre (ABC), and SOLS Health to experience and familiarise the whole airport journey as a Butterfly Effect passenger.
Malaysia Airports Corporate Communications General Manager, Nik Anis Nik Zakaria said, “As a caring host, we want to promote inclusivity where everyone can have a joyful experience at our airport when they travel. With our Butterfly Effect initiative in place, we can further ensure their safety and security while being mindful of their hidden disabilities by helping ease their journey along the way.”
During the walkabout, Malaysia Airports brought the guests through the main terminal building to the satellite building to show what a Butterfly Effect passenger would experience when using this facility. They went through special touchpoints for easy access such as special drop-off points, access to the Calm Room and Sensory Walls, as well as access to priority lanes. They were also given a Butterfly Kit containing a lanyard, a brochure, a leaflet of prohibited items, Calm Room and Sensory Wall locations.
In its introduction of the Butterfly Effect initiative, Malaysia Airports also introduced a new project called ‘The Butterfly’s Adventure’. It is a mock airport journey under the Butterfly Effect where hidden disability passengers with their families get to familiarise and acclimatise with the airport experience and environment prior to their flight. The project is set to take place starting May 2021 and will be held twice a month. More information will be announced soon on Malaysia Airports’ official website and social media platforms.
Butterfly Effect where hidden disability passengers with their families get to familiarise and acclimatise with the airport experience and environment prior to their flight. The project is set to take place starting May 2021 and will be held twice a month. More information will be announced soon on Malaysia Airports’ official website and social media platforms.
“Additional COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have been implemented may also mean a more challenging journey for this group of passengers. We hope to alleviate some of these anxieties for them,” said Nik Anis adding that the autism-friendly service is a step forward in creating a joyful experience for hidden disability passengers. As the custodian of the main gateway into the country, the onus is on Malaysia Airports to portray an inclusive society and augment its services to the physically disabled by catering to the needs of people with hidden disabilities. By becoming a caring host, Malaysia Airports will continue to ensure its passengers’ comfort for a seamless travelling experience.
