Sunflowers lanyards to pin badges: At Delhi airport, a helping hand for those with hidden disabilities

Examples include certain chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and cognitive impairments.
According to sources, airport staff has been trained to quickly identify passengers through their sunflower lanyards or other merchandise and ask whether they require assistance — from help with luggage, quicker access to check-in and security counters and providing wheelchairs.

The Delhi airport has been training and sensitising its employees to this end. “Maximum airlines staff and more than 300 CISF staff have already completed their training,” said a source from DIAL. Immigration staff were also part of training.

Sessions have emphasised on the need to be patient and dedicate more time to such people.
Passengers seeking the merchandise can ask for it at any information desk at the airport and it will be handed over to them without any questions.

The idea for a global symbol for non-visible disabilities was born at Gatwick Airport in 2016, to discreetly identify passengers who need additional help while travelling. Since then, the programme has been rolled out at major airports, rail providers and supermarkets across the UK. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru was the first Indian airport to roll out the programme in December 2022.

The sunflower was chosen as the symbol for hidden disabilities as they signify happiness, positivity, strength, growth.