The Airport Authority has become an Aira Access Partner to help people who are blind or partially sighted who use the Aira app to move through the terminal with greater ease and confidence. 

From checking in to visiting concessions to finding a boarding gate, users of the Aira app can connect on-demand for a trained visual interpreter who will provide real-time navigation assistance, detailed descriptions of surroundings, and insights into points of interest throughout our terminal.

YOW joins a growing group of Canadian airports already offering this tool, including Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg; this creates more consistency for an improved passenger experience. 

The Airport Authority committed to exploring a tool that would provide this service as part of the 2023-2026 Accessibility Plan, then committed to signing on and launching Aira during the first year of the Plan, as reported in the Year 1 Progress Report.

“The Aira service is a wonderful addition to the accessibility services available at YOW for people who are blind or partially sighted,” said Sandra Alvarez, Director of Passenger Experience. “We are continuously working with accessibility specialists and addressing feedback from the public about accessibility throughout the travel experience. This type of service was one of the gaps we identified in our 2023-2026 Accessibility Plan that we committed to fill to enhance the passenger experience.”

“Having the ability to navigate independently at Ottawa International Airport with Aira as my guide is truly transformative,” said Everette Bacon, Aira's Chief of Blindness Initiatives. “It brings a sense of freedom and empowerment, not just for me but for countless blind travelers.”

For more information, visit our Accessibility page.