Inclusive Travel in Germany: Munich Airport and Lufthansa Join Sunflower Program for Hidden Disabilities

Published on December 4, 2025

Munich Airport and Lufthansa have officially joined the global Sunflower Program, which was initially launched at Gatwick Airport in the UK by Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. This important collaboration is aimed at supporting travelers with hidden disabilities by making air travel more accessible, comfortable, and inclusive. The Sunflower Program is designed to assist individuals with conditions such as autism, mental health issues, and other invisible disabilities who may require additional support during their journey through airports and onboard flights.

As part of the program, passengers traveling through Munich Airport and flying with Lufthansa can now request a Sunflower lanyard, which serves as a discreet identifier for airport and airline staff. The lanyard helps to ensure that these travelers receive the necessary assistance, whether it’s during security checks, boarding, or navigating the airport. This move is part of a wider initiative to enhance accessibility and provide equal opportunities for all travelers, regardless of their physical or mental challenges.

The Sunflower Program: Supporting Travelers with Hidden Disabilities

The Sunflower Program has become a vital tool for improving accessibility for travelers with hidden disabilities. Initially launched at Gatwick Airport in the UK, the program has been widely embraced by airports and airlines around the world. The Sunflower lanyard is the key feature of the program, providing a simple, non-verbal way for travelers to indicate that they may require additional assistance. The lanyard is available for free and can be worn by passengers at all stages of their journey, from check-in to boarding and throughout their time in the airport.

With Munich Airport and Lufthansa joining the program, travelers now have the assurance that they will receive specialized support when needed, helping to alleviate the challenges often faced by individuals with hidden disabilities during travel. The introduction of the program in Munich Airport is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for German travelers and international passengers flying into or out of Munich.

How the Sunflower Program Works at Munich Airport and Lufthansa

Travelers with hidden disabilities who wish to take part in the Sunflower Program at Munich Airport or while flying with Lufthansa can request a Sunflower lanyard at any of the airport’s service counters or online. The lanyard is a discreet and visible way to signal to staff that the wearer may need additional support. The staff at Munich Airport and Lufthansa are trained to recognize the lanyard and provide the necessary assistance, whether it’s priority boarding, extra time for check-in, or assistance with luggage.

In addition to the lanyard, airport staff are trained to offer personalized support to passengers who need it, including assistance with navigating the airport’s complex terminals or helping with transportation within the airport. Lufthansa also ensures that its cabin crew are trained to understand the needs of passengers with hidden disabilities, providing them with the extra care and attention required for a smooth and comfortable flight.

Improving Accessibility for All Travelers

The decision to join the Sunflower Program is part of Munich Airport and Lufthansa’s broader commitment to accessibility and inclusive travel. Both organizations recognize the importance of offering equal opportunities to all travelers, including those with hidden disabilities. By introducing this initiative, they aim to ensure that passengers with hidden disabilities feel supported and confident during their entire travel experience.

For Munich Airport, which handles millions of passengers every year, this move is part of ongoing efforts to make the airport more accessible to people with diverse needs. The airport is already known for its high standards of customer service, and the addition of the Sunflower Program enhances its reputation as an inclusive destination for both leisure and business travelers.

The Growing Demand for Accessible Travel

The increasing recognition of the importance of accessible travel has led to a surge in initiatives aimed at improving the travel experience for people with various types of disabilities. The Sunflower Program is one of many initiatives around the world that focuses on ensuring that passengers with hidden disabilities receive the support they need. As the number of travelers with hidden disabilities rises, it is becoming increasingly important for airlines and airports to create an inclusive environment that supports the needs of these passengers.

The European Union and other international organizations have also been pushing for increased accessibility in transportation, particularly in air travel. The EU Regulation 1107/2006 on the rights of disabled people and those with reduced mobility ensures that air travel is accessible to all passengers, but programs like the Sunflower lanyard go a step further by providing tailored support and reducing the stigma that can be associated with asking for help.

The Future of the Sunflower Program and Accessible Travel

With the success of the Sunflower Program in the UK and the growing adoption by airports and airlines worldwide, the program is expected to expand further in the coming years. Other major international airports and airlines are likely to follow in Munich Airport and Lufthansa’s footsteps, providing better services for passengers with hidden disabilities.

As more airports and airlines join the initiative, global travel will become more inclusive, allowing all travelers, regardless of their abilities, to navigate the world with confidence and ease. The introduction of the Sunflower Program at Munich Airport and by Lufthansa is just one of the many steps in the ongoing effort to make air travel and tourism more accessible for everyone.

Conclusion: A Step Toward Inclusive Tourism

The adoption of the Sunflower Program by Munich Airport and Lufthansa is a significant development in the growing movement toward inclusive tourism. By offering a discreet and easy way for passengers with hidden disabilities to receive the support they need, the program improves the travel experience and ensures that all individuals, regardless of their challenges, can travel comfortably. As the program expands globally, it will continue to pave the way for a more inclusive tourism industry, benefiting millions of passengers around the world.