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Assisted Travel Update: Important information for UK passengers
- nikkicurran
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
If you or someone you are travelling with has a hidden disability, here is what you need to know before flying through Spain: the Sunflower lanyard is no longer recognised at Aena airports. Instead, travellers should use the Aena Invisible Disabilities Badge.
What is the Aena Invisible Disabilities Badge?
The badge discreetly alerts airport staff that you may need extra support, time or understanding when passing through the airport.
Benefits include:
Access to dedicated security lanes where available
Assisted passage through general security
One badge per travel party, not per person
Valid for single use on the day of travel
Can be shown on your phone or printed
Important: This is not a fast-track pass and does not exempt you from security checks.
Where is it accepted?
The badge is valid at all major Aena airports, including Alicante, Barcelona, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Lanzarote, Málaga, Menorca, Palma, Reus, Tenerife Sur, plus many more such as Madrid, Bilbao, Sevilla, Santiago, Valencia and Murcia.
Some airports also offer quiet rooms or sensory-friendly areas for travellers sensitive to noise or crowds.
How to get your badge
Fill in the online form on the Aena website:
Enter passenger and flight details, accept the terms and submit.
You will receive your badge by email, which you can print or show on your phone at the airport.
Extra tips
Aena also provides support materials such as PDFs, videos and checklists to help travellers with autism or hidden disabilities prepare for their journey. If you need further support, such as mobility assistance, you can also request Aena’s Barrier Free service in addition to the badge.
This is a really positive step for travellers with hidden disabilities, making the airport experience in Spain much more supportive and accessible.
