Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation have wrapped up another year of Autism Aviation Days, an initiative designed to help children on the autism spectrum and their families become more comfortable with air travel.
The events simulate the entire flying experience — from check-in and security screening to boarding and taxiing — allowing families to get familiar with the process in a supportive, low-stress setting.
This year, with help from Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines, Autism Aviation Days were held in Vancouver, Kamloops, Calgary, St. John’s, Quebec City, Winnipeg and Edmonton.
“Autism Aviation Days expanded significantly this year,” said Brigitte St-Pierre, Director of Official Languages and Community Engagement at Air Canada. “We were able to offer this experience to more families from coast to coast, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful initiative next year. We are honoured to have supported so many autism organisations this year, who do tremendous work in their communities. We also thank our loyal partners Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines for their help making those events possible.”
The idea for Autism Aviation Days came from Edna Ray, Air Canada’s Senior Manager of Regional Sales, who was inspired after speaking with a travel advisor trained in autism travel. “The initial concept was to reassure families that air travel could be a possibility,” said Ray. “The increased demand for the events this year demonstrated families with children on the spectrum most definitely would like to enjoy air travel, and we’re happy to be able to introduce families to that possibility.”
Paul Walsh, CEO of the Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador, described the events as an emotional milestone for many families. “On October 5th, I saw smiles and tears of joy as families realised they’d broken through a barrier that has denied them the ability to travel together,” he said. “When any part of society breaks down barriers, we get closer to true equity and inclusion.”
Johanne Potvin, Vice President of the Fondation de l’autisme de Québec, said the experience had a big impact on participants. “The Air Canada Foundation’s dedication toward inclusion and accessibility helped create a reassuring and memorable experience for many families,” she said. “We were moved by the team’s professionalism, compassion and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with autism. Over 60 people had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with airport procedures, from check-in to boarding.”
Air Canada and its foundation hosted four Autism Aviation Days in 2024, helping over 125 children and their families. Due to growing interest, seven events were held in 2025 — including in Quebec and Newfoundland for the first time — reaching more than 450 children and their families.
The airline says its accessibility services team continues to work on ways to make flying smoother and more inclusive for all passengers.
