Singapore Changi Airport unveils sensory space for neurodivergent travellers Singapore Changi Airport unveils sensory space for neurodivergent travellers

Singapore Changi Airport has racked up numerous accolades over the years, including taking home Skytrax’s World Best Airport award 13 times. Travellers can snap photos with the iconic Rain Vortex, shop at the Jewel, or even take part in a yoga or pilates classes before take off – there’s no shortage of things to do.

But now the airport is aiming to accommodate neurodivergent travellers and their caregivers with the launch of its first sensory-friendly facility.

Designed to accommodate neurodivergent travellers and their caregivers, the new 200 square-metre Calm Room, located in Terminal 2’s departure transit area, aims to help those dealing with sensory overload and flight anxiety.

Comprising four zones tailored to different sensory needs and preferences, Changi Airport’s Calm Room includes relief areas and supportive spaces to help passengers recover from emotional overwhelm.

Passengers enter the Welcome Area, which is equipped with storage facilities for luggage and helps travellers transition from the busyness of the rest of the airport.

The next room is The Forest, an open-plan area featuring ‘biophilic windows’ that project images of Singapore’s natural landscapes  paired with gentle music and birdsong.

For individuals who regulate their emotions through movement, The Den provides a safe environment for physical activity, featuring padded walls, floors, and seating surfaces.

Two acoustically dampened private rooms with adjustable lighting comprise the last zone, The Nest, which is designed for additional privacy and emotional regulation during more intense episodes.

A dedicated group of airport staff, ‘Care Ambassadors’, have received specialist training to assist passengers with disabilities and help monitor the room. Plus, a virtual Changi Experience Ambassador display is available, providing support and assistance to those in need.

Ang Siew Min, senior vice president, Airport Operations Services at Changi Airport Group, said: “We recognise that the airport environment may be overwhelming for some.

“We are committed to creating a travel experience that is inclusive and respectful of every individual’s needs. The Calm Room is designed to provide passengers and their caregivers the comfort, support, and peace of mind to navigate travel with ease.”

Airports are busy, sensory-rich environments and can be overwhelming for neurodivergent passengers or those with sensory or cognitive conditions, such as autism.

The combination of crowds, bright lights, and loud sounds can lead to pre-flight anxiety or even a sensory overload episode.

A National Institutes of Health study (2025) on the experiences of autistic people in airports said: “Dedicated spaces for sensory regulation can support autistic travellers in navigating otherwise demanding environments.

“Airports must adopt a proactive approach to accessibility, prioritising the voices and experiences of autistic people.”

According to Cognassist, an international cognitive assessment company, approximately 15-20% of people are neurodivergent, and among those, the World Health Organisation estimates that 1 in 127 people is autistic.

The design of the sensory facility was developed with the insights of organisations including the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) and Metta Welfare Association (MWA) to help craft a space and an experience that met the needs of neurodivergent travellers.

The Calm Room is the most recent initiative of the CARE@Changi programme, which aims to create a more inclusive travel experience.

CARE@Changi is hoping to provide additional sensory rooms in Changi Airport’s other terminals in the coming years, according to the Airport Operations Services team.

This reflects a broader global trend of sensory-friendly spaces in airports, with dedicated sensory rooms in international airports such as London Gatwick and Pittsburgh, USA.

Other UK airports, such as Bristol and Manchester, also have sensory rooms to support neurodivergent travellers.

More information: changiairport.com

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