There’s a new room at the Edmonton International Airport (EIA) designed to support passengers with sensory sensitivities.
The Sensory Room is on the departures level, across from Gate 49.
It’s a peaceful escape from the busy airport environment and designed for those with autism, anxiety and other cognitive or neurodivergent challenges.
“We talk about an airport for everyone, and that is something that we truly mean. We want people who are traveling to feel welcome here,” said Erin Isfeld, corporate communications manager for EIA.
“There is an anxiety that is formed around travel, around getting on airplanes, around being in a very chaotic environment that is loud.”
The room was developed in collaboration with Autism Edmonton.
Inside, passengers will find northern lights displays, lit benches with changing colours, different tactile displays and rows of airplane seating.
“To be able to just relax in an airplane seat where the plane isn’t moving, and there’s not 50 people trying to squish by you with their baggage — gives people an opportunity just to try it out,” said Melinda Noyes, Autism Edmonton’s executive director.
Noyes said many of their members have trepidation about flying and the sensory room is a vital addition to the airport.
Get weekly health news
Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
“This room is certainly a huge deal for families who would like to go on trip with their children to Disneyland, or some of those longer trips where you have to change airports, change airplanes,” Noyes said.
Official unveiled on World Autism Day, it highlights the importance of making sure everyone who comes to the airport is supported.
“We’re finding that people who are in that room give us great feedback. They’re saying this was a difference maker, this was something that now I think I can do this, I can travel,” Isfeld said.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
