Gold Coast Airport has become one of only two Australian airports accredited under the Airport Council International’s Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation Program after introducing dedicated facilities and embedding accessibility into planning and operations.
Notable improvements cited include an airside Quiet Room accredited by Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) and a new airside Pet Relief Area delivered as part of the Northern Airside Processing Zone expansion.
Queensland Airports Limited says the accreditation reflects practical changes across planning, policy and operations and follows federal consultation on aviation disability standards.
# What happened
# Why it matters The ACI program is an international assessment and accreditation pathway focused specifically on airport accessibility for passengers with disabilities. The program is framed as a continuous improvement tool that helps airports measure, evaluate and improve accessibility management and culture.
For travellers with reduced mobility or diverse access needs, the accreditation signals that the airport has taken steps to embed accessibility into its planning, policies and day-to-day operations rather than treating accessible options as ad hoc additions.
# Airport changed The airport and its operator, Queensland Airports Limited, highlighted tangible facility and operational changes that supported the accreditation:
The airport described the accreditation as formal recognition of work to build accessibility foundations across planning, policy and operations and to improve facilities for people with reduced mobility and diverse needs.
Queensland Airports Limited chief operating officer Marion Charlton said the accreditation "reflects GCA's commitment to creating a more inclusive travel experience" and that it "acknowledges the work our teams have done to embed accessibility into our thinking, design and operations." She added that accessibility is an ongoing journey and that the airport is consulting with organisations such as Aspect to identify further improvements.
ACI's program is described on its website as the only international assessment/accreditation program dedicated to airport accessibility for passengers with disabilities. The program is designed to provide a continuous path of improvement for airports in accessibility management and culture.
# Context and policy environment The accreditation comes after the federal government released a consultation paper on aviation disability standards the previous month. That indicates movement at both the industry and regulatory levels on accessibility in aviation.
# What travellers should take away Travellers who need quieter spaces, sensory-friendly facilities or accessible pet options can reasonably expect those features to be in place airside at Gold Coast Airport. The accreditation suggests the airport has processes and policies aimed at serving passengers with a range of needs, and that further improvements are likely as consultation and operational refinement continue.
# Practical next steps for readers If accessibility needs are relevant to your trip, contact the airport or your airline in advance to confirm available services and any necessary arrangements. For specific sensory or mobility needs, ask about the Quiet Room and airside routing to minimize stressful transitions.
# Bottom line Gold Coast Airport's ACI accreditation confirms targeted facility upgrades and operational work to support passengers with disabilities. It adds a second Australian airport to the ACI program and aligns with recent federal-level consultation on aviation disability standards.
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