Flying can be a fun experience for many children, but it can turn into a real challenge for
some children with autism or those who are hypersensitive to sounds, lights, and crowds.
This is where the sensory room at Beirut Airport comes in, providing a calmer and more comfortable space for children and their families while they’re at the airport.
Airports are, by their very nature, crowded places full of sensory stimuli—from repetitive announcements
over loudspeakers to bright lights, the constant movement of travelers, and long lines.
Together, these factors can increase stress or discomfort for some children with autism and sensory processing difficulties.
Where is the sensory room located at Beirut Airport?
The sensory room at Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport is located in the departure area, near Gate 3,
It has been designated to provide a calmer environment for children who need to step away for a while from the noise and hustle and bustle of the airport.
The room gives children the opportunity to take a break before boarding the plane, helping them transition from the crowded airport environment to the flight in a more comfortable and organized manner.
An initiative in collaboration with the National Autism Society
The room was established in collaboration with the National Autism Society of Lebanon (NAC) in 2018,
as part of an initiative aimed at making the travel experience more inclusive and responsive to the needs of children with autism and their families.
The lounge was later renovated to maintain its role as a safe and comfortable space
for children who may find it difficult to cope with the intense sensory stimuli inside the airport.
This type of initiative highlights the importance of considering the diverse needs of travelers,
not only by facilitating physical movement but also by providing an environment that takes sensory and psychological aspects into account.
Why do some children need a sensory space?
Children with autism may react differently to sounds, smells, lighting, and crowds.
For some, a loud noise or bright light may be a much greater source of distress than it is for others.
Likewise, long waits, changes to their usual routine, and moving to a new place can increase a child’s anxiety levels.
Therefore, quiet spaces at airports can be a helpful resource that allows a child
to relax and regulate their response to their surroundings before completing the travel procedures.
Steps to Help the Family Before Traveling
In addition to using the sensory room, parents can prepare their child for the travel experience in advance,
such as explaining the stages of the trip in simple terms, familiarizing them with the layout of the airplane and the airport, and bringing along some of their familiar belongings.
Noise-canceling headphones or toys and items that provide a sense of comfort during waiting periods may also be helpful, depending on each child’s needs.
However, responses to sensory stimuli vary from child to child, so parents or caregivers are best positioned to determine what suits their child and helps them during the trip.
Inclusive Travel Is a Right for Everyone
The presence of a sensory room for children with autism at Beirut Airport carries a message that goes beyond simply providing a quiet space.
True inclusivity means designing services and spaces in a way that takes into account people’s different needs.
And accessibility is not limited to elevators and dedicated walkways; it also includes providing an environment that understands
sensory needs and helps people navigate the travel experience with greater comfort and independence.
The room is one of the facilities available to travelers with special needs at Beirut Airport, while the National Autism Society continues its efforts to raise awareness and support children and their families.
Such initiatives represent a positive step toward more inclusive airports, where travel becomes an accessible and comfortable experience for as many people as possible.
The room is located in the departure area, near Gate 3, at Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut.
