Travelling through a busy airport can be an overwhelming experience for many people. To help make air travel more accessible and inclusive, Manchester Airport has unveiled a brand-new sensory space within Terminal 2, designed to support passengers who may benefit from a calmer environment before their flight. 

Known as the Sunflower Zone, the new facility has been created through a partnership between Manchester Airport and AmbiSpace, with valuable input and expertise from the National Autistic Society, special assistance provider ABM, and the Manchester Airport Disability Forum. 

A Sensory Space Designed for Different Needs 

The Sunflower Room has been carefully designed to accommodate a wide range of sensory preferences and support needs. 

At the centre of the space is a calming, low-stimulus area where passengers can sit, relax and self-regulate in a quieter environment before travelling. This dedicated relaxation zone provides a welcoming space for anyone who may need a moment away from the busy sights and sounds of a major international airport. 

Connected to this central area are two additional sensory rooms featuring: 

• Interactive sensory panels 
• Bubble tubes 
• Colour-changing sensory lighting 
• Engaging sensory activities 
• Opportunities for sensory exploration and regulation 

The combination of calming and interactive environments allows passengers to choose the space that best meets their individual needs. 

Bringing Sensory Inclusion to Air Travel 

For AmbiSpace, the project represents an exciting milestone. 

Over the years, AmbiSpace has designed and installed sensory rooms and inclusive spaces across the UK, supporting schools, colleges, healthcare settings, shopping centres, public venues and many other organisations. The Manchester Airport project marks the company's first sensory room installation within an international airport environment. 

Dean Cook, Marketing Manager at AmbiSpace, said: 

"We're proud to have helped bring this space to life. While we've created sensory rooms in many different settings, this is our first project within an international airport. 

The goal was to create a flexible space that supports a wide range of needs, combining calm, low-stimulation areas with interactive sensory experiences." 

Supporting Accessibility and Inclusion 

The Sunflower Room forms part of Manchester Airport's ongoing commitment to accessibility, inclusion and passenger wellbeing. 

By providing a dedicated sensory environment, the airport is helping ensure that more people can travel with confidence, comfort and dignity, regardless of their sensory needs. 

Dean added: 

"Inclusive spaces can make a huge difference to someone's experience. The opportunity to pause, regulate and feel comfortable before travelling can help reduce anxiety and make air travel more accessible. 

AmbiSpace is delighted to have worked alongside Manchester Airport and its partners on such an important project, and we look forward to continuing that relationship in the future." 

A Positive Step Towards More Inclusive Travel 

The opening of the Sunflower Room is another important step towards creating more accessible public spaces and demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with inclusion at the heart of the design process. 

As more transport hubs, workplaces and public venues recognise the importance of sensory inclusion, projects like this help create environments where everyone feels supported and welcomed. 

We're incredibly proud to have contributed to this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact the Sunflower Room has on passengers travelling through Manchester Airport Terminal 2. 

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