Claire Donnellan

Claire is a respected aviation expert with over 30 years of experience spanning regional and international airlines, airports and industry associations. A qualified human-centered designer, she develops customer strategies, manages complex stakeholder engagements and creates strategic alignment. She peer-reviews and optimizes conceptual designs and operational plans, from small projects to masterplans. Her work spans regional to major airports, global and national associations, commercially focused assets and inclusive not-for-profits, reflecting her commitment to balancing innovation with impact.

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Introduction by Conference Chairs

Introduction by Conference Chairs

Introduction by Conference Chair

Panel discussion: From ‘why’ to ‘how’ – developing practical guidance for airport accessibility

People with disability often face barriers when traveling. The existing compliance-based approach to planning is not fit for purpose, and the facilities and services that airports provide must be accessible and barrier-free. Building on the ACI Airports and Accessible Travel: a Practical Guide, this panel moves the conversation from why accessibility is important, to how airports can do better in providing meaningful inclusion. This panel will highlight practical tools to enhance the experience for passengers and employees with disabilities while exploring how standardized practices can encourage more people to travel with confidence and unlock new commercial opportunities.

The audience will learn:

• How to move from a compliance-based to outcomes-based planning approach
• How airports can ensure consistency in accessible practices
• Tools used to integrate employee and customer experience and accessibility
• Approaches to ensuring barrier-free technology and digital resources implemented at the airport and by airports' aviation partners
• Learn the critical importance of designing with people with lived experience to ensure accessibility solutions truly meet their needs