Zadar Airport Joins the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities program

Zadar Airport is proud to announce that it has become a member of the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities program, reinforcing our commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible travel experience for all passengers.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol that helps individuals with non-visible disabilities, conditions, or needs discreetly indicate that they may require additional support, understanding, or assistance while travelling.

By joining the program, Zadar Airport aims to foster a welcoming environment where every passenger can travel with greater confidence, comfort, and dignity. Our staff are being trained to recognize the Sunflower symbol and provide appropriate assistance whenever needed.

We are committed to ensuring that all travellers feel seen, supported, and valued throughout their journey at Zadar Airport.

“At Zadar Airport, we continuously invest in the quality of our services and are committed to providing every passenger with a comfortable, safe, and dignified travel experience. By joining the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for people with non-visible disabilities. Our staff have completed specialised training to recognise the needs of passengers wearing the Sunflower and to provide support with understanding, respect, and discretion. We believe that initiatives like this strengthen passengers’ confidence in our services and reinforce Zadar Airport as a place where every traveller is welcome and can rely on the support they need.”

Josip Klišmanić
General Manager, Zadar Airport Ltd.

“This initiative is important because it enables people with non-visible disabilities to communicate, in a simple and discreet way, that they may need a little more understanding, patience, or support during their journey. Such an approach can make the difference between an unpleasant experience and one where people feel safe, accepted, and treated with dignity.

We are especially grateful to Josipa Zekanović, whose initiative established the first contact between Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and Zadar Airport. We would also like to thank the Management Board and all the employees of Zadar Airport for recognising the value of this initiative and demonstrating what can be achieved through openness to collaboration and a genuine willingness to go the extra mile for people.

I hope that Zadar Airport’s example will inspire other airports, as well as public institutions, organisations, and employers. Every organisation that invests in understanding, accessibility, and respect for people’s diverse needs contributes to building a society in which everyone can feel welcome, safe, and treated as an equal.”

Doris Bailo
President, Cukrići Association – Zadar
Vice President, Croatian Diabetes Association
Vice President, Autism Association Zadar

“The introduction of the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program at Zadar Airport marks an important step towards creating a more accessible environment for people with disabilities, particularly those with non-visible disabilities. The program enables individuals with non-visible conditions to discreetly indicate that they may need additional time, understanding, or support during their journey, without having to disclose the nature of their condition.

The entire program is based on voluntary participation, trust, and respect, and has been successfully implemented at airports around the world.

We hope that this excellent initiative by Zadar Airport, launched at the initiative of the Cukrići Association Zadar, will encourage other service providers in Zadar and throughout Croatia to join programmes that promote accessibility and inclusion for everyone.”

Darijo Jurišić
Ombudsperson for Persons with Disabilities

“We are delighted to welcome Zadar Airport to the growing number of airports that are part of the global Sunflower network. Staff at the airport have been Sunflower-trained to offer support, understanding, and kindness to passengers with non-visible disabilities who choose to wear the Sunflower. As a Sunflower-friendly airport, Sunflower wearers feel increased confidence that each journey is a positive experience, which improves customer satisfaction and loyalty, while making a valuable step towards accessibility and inclusion.”

Ruth Rabet
Global Business Director, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower