Toronto Pearson hosts inclusive airport event supporting neurodivergent travellers with autism and accessibility needs

Credit: Toronto Pearson Airport

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Autism Ontario, and Air Transat have teamed up for the third annual “Ready, Set, Fly…with YYZ,” an immersive airport familiarisation tour supporting families and individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. About 200 participants attended on Sunday, practising every stage of the travel experience, from check-in and security screening to boarding, clearing customs, and engaging with airport staff.

The event is designed to ease the stress of flying and provide hands-on experience navigating Canada’s busiest airport. Christina Iacovino, Director, Customer Experience and Development at Toronto Pearson, said: “At Toronto Pearson, we’re committed to creating a smooth, safe, and enjoyable airport experience for all. We want every passenger to feel welcome and confident as they experience the joys of air travel. By working closely with our partners and listening to passengers’ experiences at events like ‘Ready, Set, Fly…with YYZ,’ we learn valuable lessons that help us reduce barriers and make air travel more inclusive.”

Marg Spoelstra, Chief Executive Officer of Autism Ontario, added: “Ready, Set, Fly is a program that gives autistic individuals and their families the opportunity to prepare and gain experience before travelling. Routine and predictability make a world of difference for many autistic people. Since airports and flights can be unpredictable, such as with unexpected changes and delays, programs like ‘Ready, Set, Fly’ help families build confidence, reduce stress, and make travel more accessible.”

Andréan Gagné, Senior Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility at Transat, said: “Seeing this event grow year after year is a testament to how meaningful it is for neurodivergent individuals, their families, and our team. Bringing people closer together is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to contribute to making air travel more inclusive by championing initiatives like ‘Ready, Set, Fly.’”

As part of its accessibility commitment, Toronto Pearson also launched the Travel Rehearsal Program this year, offering passengers with disabilities the opportunity to practice their airport journey year-round on a more personalised scale. More information is available at torontopearson.com/accessibility.

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