Important Changes to Airport Support You Need to Know
As thousands of UK holidaymakers prepare for trips to Spain this summer, travellers who use the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard should be aware of an important change at many Spanish airports.
Aena, the company that manages the majority of Spain’s major airports, has introduced its own Invisible Disabilities Badge scheme. Passengers who require additional understanding, support or extra time while travelling through the airport are encouraged to apply for this badge before their journey.
What Has Changed?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard remains widely recognised across the UK and many international airports. However, Aena advises passengers travelling through participating Spanish airports to request and use the official Aena Invisible Disabilities Badge.
The badge helps airport staff identify passengers who may require additional support, understanding or more time during airport processes such as security screening and navigating the terminal.
According to Aena, passengers displaying the badge may be directed to dedicated security lanes for families and passengers with reduced mobility where available, or receive assistance accessing standard security checkpoints more smoothly.
How Do You Apply?
Applying for the badge is straightforward and can be completed online before travel.
Passengers should:
- Visit the Aena Invisible Disabilities Badge webpage.
- Complete the online application form.
- Download the PDF badge provided after submission.
- Print the badge or save it on a mobile device.
- Present it to airport staff if support is required.
Link here.
Important: Complete a Separate Form for Each Airport Visit
One detail many travellers may miss is that the badge is intended for single-use travel days.
If you are travelling from the UK to Spain and then returning home, you should complete separate forms for:
- Your arrival airport in Spain.
- Your departure airport in Spain for your return flight.
If your itinerary includes multiple Spanish airports, a separate application should be completed for each airport visit.
Which Spanish Airports Use the Aena Invisible Disabilities Badge?
The scheme is currently available at the following airports:
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas
- Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández
- Bilbao
- César Manrique-Lanzarote
- Fuerteventura
- Girona-Costa Brava
- Gran Canaria
- Ibiza
- Internacional Región de Murcia
- Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat
- Málaga-Costa del Sol
- Menorca
- Palma de Mallorca
- Reus
- Sevilla
- Santiago-Rosalía de Castro
- Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna
- Tenerife Sur
- Valencia
- Vigo
Why This Matters
For many neurodivergent travellers and people with hidden disabilities, airports can be overwhelming environments due to noise, crowds, unfamiliar procedures and sensory stimulation.
Preparing in advance can help reduce anxiety and ensure airport staff are aware that additional support, patience or understanding may be needed.
If you or a family member currently travel using the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, it is worth taking a few minutes before your trip to complete the Aena application and download the appropriate badge.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility support can make a significant difference to the travel experience. If you’re travelling to Spain this year, make sure you plan ahead and apply for the Aena Invisible Disabilities Badge before you travel.
If you’re one of my clients, I’ll be helping eligible travellers complete this process ahead of departure. If you’re booking independently, don’t forget to arrange your badge before heading to the airport.
Let Me Take Care of the Details
Travel is full of exciting moments, but it’s often the small details that can cause the biggest headaches.
Most people wouldn’t think to check whether an airport still recognises a disability badge, whether assistance procedures have changed, or if there’s something new they need to do before they travel. Yet these are exactly the kinds of updates that can make a real difference to your journey.
That’s why I keep an eye on these things for my clients. Whether it’s changes to airport procedures, entry requirements, accessibility support or those little details that are easy to miss, I’m here to help make sure you’re prepared before you leave home.
If you’d like the reassurance of having someone looking out for you and helping you stay one step ahead of your travel plans, I’d love to help.
