Cebu Pacific hosts airport familiarization for special needs passengers
Cebu Pacific held a special airport tour for children on the autism spectrum and those with Down syndrome as part of their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
TDT
In November 2024, Cebu Pacific marked World Children’s Day by organizing a special airport tour for children on the autism spectrum and those with Down syndrome at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
In collaboration with advocacy groups Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), the event aimed to provide 10 children and their guardians a hands-on experience of the pre-flight process.
The participants were guided through essential airport procedures such as check-in, security screening, and boarding, all within a safe and supportive environment. The goal was to help familiarize the children with the various steps involved in air travel, easing their anxiety and building confidence before future flights.
Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific’s chief marketing and customer experience officer, emphasized the airline's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
"Cebu Pacific is committed to breaking travel barriers and fostering inclusivity by creating a more supportive and predictable environment for individuals with autism and Down syndrome," she said.
"This pre-flight airport tour aims to ease anxiety, build confidence, and prepare them for what to expect during air travel. Inclusivity for us is more than a value — it’s a commitment that drives how we innovate and serve our passengers. By offering children the chance to experience the airport process in a safe and supportive setting, we are empowering every Juan and reaffirming our mission to make air travel accessible to all," Iyog added.
In addition to the tour, Cebu Pacific formalized its partnership with Autism Society Philippines (ASP) by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) earlier in the day. This partnership aims to raise awareness and promote acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum within the travel and tourism sectors.
“We are thrilled to partner with Cebu Pacific in championing inclusivity. While autism awareness has grown significantly, there is still work to be done. We seek acceptance, appreciation, and accommodation for people on the spectrum. Cebu Pacific’s support of Autism-OK Philippines is a step toward creating a more inclusive community,” said Dang Koe, ASP chair emeritus.