Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation have held the first Autism Aviation Day of 2026 in Saskatoon, offering children with autism and their families the opportunity to experience the airport process before taking a real flight.
Families taken through airport procedures
The event took place on May 2, 2026 at Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE) in partnership with Autism Services of Saskatoon.
The programme was created to help reduce anxiety around air travel by familiarising participants with the different stages of a journey. During the event, families were guided through check in, baggage drop, security screening and boarding procedures in a quieter and more controlled environment than a standard travel day.
Air Canada said 74 people took part in the programme, including 36 children on the autism spectrum. Airline staff, airport employees and some volunteers also assisted participants throughout the experience.
Aiming to reduce travel anxiety
The programme also included a 20 minute demonstration flight on an Airbus A220 aircraft. Families boarded the aircraft and experienced taxiing, take off procedures and in flight announcements in order to simulate a regular commercial journey.
Director of Community Relations and Partnerships at the Air Canada Foundation, Eric Lauzon, said the event was intended to help families become more familiar with flying:
“We are helping families feel more at ease with travel by reducing uncertainty and supporting them every step of the way so they can move forward with confidence.”
The initiative forms part of a wider effort across Canada and the aviation sector to improve accessibility for passengers with additional support needs. Autism Aviation Day events have previously been held in several Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Calgary and Quebec City and more are expected to take place across the country in 2026.
Is enough being done in the aviation sector to help those with additional needs? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
