Making invisible disabilities visible: Lufthansa joins the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

Lufthansa has officially joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, a global initiative designed to support travelers with non-visible disabilities.

Launch Date:
Lufthansa joined on December 1, 2025.

Symbol:
A yellow sunflower on a green background, typically worn as a lanyard, discreetly signals that the wearer may need extra time, patience, or assistance.

Scope:
- Already adopted at Lufthansa’s home airports: Munich (active now) and Frankfurt (from January 2026).
- Available at special services counters where passengers can request lanyards.

Training:
Lufthansa has provided comprehensive training to ground and cabin crews to raise awareness and improve interactions with passengers who wear the Sunflower.

Group-wide Commitment:
Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, SWISS, and now Lufthansa are part of the program, with the goal of having all Lufthansa Group airlines join by the end of 2026.

Why It Matters
- Global Reach:
Over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, and up to 80% are invisible (chronic illnesses, sensory impairments, mental health conditions).
- Travel Experience:
Air travel can be particularly challenging for these individuals. The Sunflower symbol helps staff recognize when passengers may need additional support.
- Awareness & Empathy:
The program is not about preferential treatment but about fostering respect, patience, and understanding at every point of contact.
- Community Engagement:
Lufthansa has also launched an Accessibility Customer Advisory Committee to gather feedback from travelers with diverse accessibility needs.

This initiative reflects Lufthansa’s broader commitment to inclusive and empathetic travel, ensuring that invisible disabilities are recognized and supported.