Implementing sensory rooms in air transport: Guidelines for accessibility

The increasing recognition of neurodivergent passengers' needs has intensified discussions on accessibility and inclusion in air transport, particularly regarding sensory overload in airport environments. Although multisensory rooms have been progressively adopted by airports worldwide, existing guidance remains fragmented and largely prescriptive, with limited empirical grounding tailored to aviation contexts. This study addresses this gap by analysing the technical, operational, and social requirements for implementing accessible multisensory rooms in airports. The research adopts a qualitative and exploratory design, combining a structured literature review, documentary analysis, and case studies conducted in Brazilian airports where multisensory rooms are already in operation. Data were collected through direct observation of the spaces, semi-structured interviews with airport managers and staff, and analysis of accessibility protocols and regulatory frameworks. The findings were thematically analysed and integrated to ensure traceability between empirical evidence and proposed requirements. The results identify key design parameters, operational conditions, and organisational practices that support emotional regulation and reduce sensory overload among neurodivergent passengers. The study also highlights the importance of aligning spatial design with accessibility governance, staff training, and ethical principles of care. By systematising evidence-based guidelines and contextualising them within international accessibility frameworks, this paper contributes to both academic debate and airport practice, offering transferable insights for the implementation of multisensory rooms in diverse aviation contexts.