East Midlands Airport has introduced new facilities designed to improve the travel experience for neurodivergent passengers and those with anxiety.
A newly developed Quiet Room, located away from the busy departure lounge, has opened alongside a soundproof sensory pod- believed to be the first of its kind at a UK airport. The launch coincides with Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which highlights the strengths of neurodiverse individuals and challenges common misconceptions.
Picture credit: East Midlands Airport
The additions form part of the airport’s Assisted Travel service, which supports passengers needing extra help and is expected to assist more than 100,000 customers in 2025. Demand for the service has risen significantly, particularly among those with neurodivergent conditions.
The new Quiet Room offers comfortable seating near boarding gates, while the sensory pod- known as the CalmPod—provides a fully accessible, low-noise space with adjustable lighting, ventilation, and specialist sensory equipment. Designed with input from occupational therapists, it allows users to manage sensory overload in a calm, controlled environment.
The CalmPod was developed in partnership with Oliveti Group, following a survey that found many people are discouraged from visiting busy places due to a lack of quiet spaces.
Airport officials say the initiative aims to make travel more inclusive. Customer Service Director Mike Grimes said the facilities could make “the difference between being able to go on holiday or not” for some passengers.
Project manager Roxanne Butler, who oversaw the development and has a child with autism, said the spaces provide a safe environment for individuals to regulate their emotions away from crowded areas.
The airport and its partners hope the introduction of sensory pods will encourage wider adoption of inclusive design across public spaces in the UK.
