07-04-2025
Flyers can watch the northern lights from Edmonton airport's new sensory room
A time-lapsed video of the Northern Lights will be among the highlights at a new sensory room at Edmonton International Airport.
The immersive space is designed to provide passengers with a tranquil retreat from the stresses of the bustling terminal. Developed in collaboration with Autism Edmonton, it is aimed specifically for those with autism, anxiety and other cognitive challenges, the airport said. It will be located beyond the security gates in the domestic-international departures lounge across from Gate 49.
As well as the aurora borealis show, it will feature illuminated benches in changing colours to provide a relaxing atmosphere, a 1.5-metre-wide sensory pad and interactive panels for 'tactile, visual and auditory engagement.' And to help nervous flyers get prepared for their journeys, rows of aircraft seating have been donated by airline partners to help passengers familiarize themselves with the airborne experience.
'Autistic individuals have repeatedly told us that travel can be an overwhelming experience for them with their sensory system being overloaded with the sights and sounds an airport brings,' said Melinda Noyes of Autism Edmonton. She said the sensory room will be 'a vital escape for people looking to self-regulate.'
Carmen Donnelly, of Edmonton International Airport, said it recognizes that airports can be an 'overwhelming' environment for some travellers. 'We hope this calming space helps make the travel experience easier and more accessible by providing a soothing environment for passengers to take a break before their flight,' she said.
The sensory room officially opened on April 2, recognized by the United Nations as World Autism Awareness Day.
