Engaging for equality
Symposium on air travel and disability inclusion
FlyNamibia on Thursday hosted the Engaging for Equality: Namibia Symposium on Air Travel and Disability Inclusion, bringing together stakeholders from the air travel industry to address challenges faced by individuals with visible and non-visible disabilities.The symposium aimed to enhance disability inclusion in air travel through open and productive dialogue among industry leaders, disability advocates, policymakers, and representatives from various organisations.
Andre Compion, FlyNamibia's Managing Director, delivered the opening remarks, expressing the airline's commitment to disability inclusion. Alexia Manombe-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Disability Affairs, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the government's perspective and initiatives on disability inclusion in Namibia.
The panel discussion, moderated by Hilda Basson-Namundjebo, included Andre Compion, Bisey Uirab (CEO of Namibia Airports Company), Alexia Manombe-Ncube, and Agnes Haufiku (Vice President, NNPC), who shared their expertise and perspectives on the subject matter.
The event focused on advancing accessibility and equality in air travel and acknowledged historical oversights of disability considerations during the construction of Namibian airports. The participants recognized the unique challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities and neurodivergence, emphasizing the need for understanding and awareness.
Accessible information
A key topic discussed was the importance of accessible information for all passengers, including Braille signage and materials for visually impaired individuals. The participants acknowledged the complexity of the challenges and the crucial role of the air travel industry in promoting acceptance and understanding.
The fear of stigma emerged as a significant barrier for individuals with non-visible disabilities, hindering their access to necessary accommodations. To address this, airlines were encouraged to implement comprehensive disability inclusion measures.
Compion reaffirmed FlyNamibia's commitment to disability inclusion through comprehensive training for airline personnel, recognizing the vital role of frontline staff in creating a supportive environment for differently-abled passengers.
The symposium was seen as a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and accessible travel experience for individuals with disabilities in Namibia and beyond. Plans for future engagements to advance the symposium's agenda were discussed.