Dublin Airport is reminding passengers with hidden disabilities about the support available through its Important Flyer and Sunflower lanyard scheme.
15:24, 04 Jul 2026Updated 15:25, 04 Jul 2026
Sunflower lanyard, symbol of people with invisible or hidden disabilities(Image: Getty)
Dublin Airport has issued an important reminder to passengers wearing a Sunflower lanyard ahead of the busy summer travel season.
The airport says the internationally recognised Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard can help passengers with non visible disabilities who may need some extra support while travelling.
Designed for people who prefer not to disclose their condition or use the airport’s special assistance service, the lanyard discreetly lets staff know the wearer may require more time, patience or understanding while making their way through the airport.
Dublin Airport joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network in 2024 and says all frontline staff have been trained to recognise the symbol.
The airport said: “The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognised symbol that discreetly indicates a passenger has a hidden disability. Dublin Airport joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network in 2024.
“All staff are trained to recognise the Sunflower symbol and provide support to passengers who wear it, offering extra help, greater understanding, or simply more time when needed.”
For passengers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Dublin Airport also offers its Important Flyer Lanyard or Wristband.
The Departures Gate at Terminal 1, Dublin Airport(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)
It explained: “Passengers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) may find the airport environment challenging, particularly during security screening.
“To help make the journey more manageable, Dublin Airport offers the Important Flyer Lanyard or Wristband. This identifier discreetly signals to airport staff that the wearer may benefit from additional time, calm and clear communication.”
Passengers wishing to apply must complete the Important Flyer application form and provide either a letter from their GP or an AsIAm card confirming a diagnosis of autism or sensory processing disorder.
The service is currently available only to people with postal addresses in Ireland, including the North, and the lanyard or wristband cannot be collected at Dublin Airport.
Those with an Important Flyer are also entitled to complimentary Fast Track security, which must be booked in advance. It’s available for the holder and up to three travelling companions travelling on the same day.
What is the Sunflower lanyard?
According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: “Some disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses are not immediately obvious to others. For some people, this can make it hard to understand and believe that someone, with a ‘non-visible’ condition genuinely needs support.
“Some people question whether you have a disability because you don’t look ‘like you have a disability’.
“That is why we created the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower – to encourage inclusivity, acceptance and understanding. It is a simple tool for you to share that you have a hidden disability voluntarily.
“Simply by wearing the Sunflower, you’re just letting everyone know that you might need extra help, understanding, or just more time.”
The Sunflower has been launched in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Latin America, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, the UAE and the USA.
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