Accessibility
YCD is dedicated to providing fully accessible facilities. We work together with a shared vision to remove barriers and create an environment that is fully accessible to all.
To optimize your viewing experience while visiting our website, we use the UserWay program. Userway provides digital tools and solutions to help our website become more accessible, particularly for people with disabilities. Please click on the blue button on lower left of this page to customize your experience with features that adjust text size, contrast, and more.
Our YCD team proudly support the Sunflower Lanyard program for travellers with invisible disabilities. More information is available below.
Our team at YCD published our first Passenger Accessibility Plan in 2024, which identified our investment in accessibility and documented our commitments to provide barrier free travel. This Accessibility Progress Report provides an update on our progress in meeting our commitments.
Nanaimo Airport – Accessibility Plan 2024-2027
Nanaimo Airport warmly welcomes everyone, irrespective of their backgrounds or abilities. We work
together with a shared vision to remove barriers and create an environment that is fully accessible to all.
Our commitment to collaboration and open communication ensures that everyone’s needs are heard
and addressed.
Our helpful staff are always ready to assist, making sure that your travel experience is smooth and
enjoyable. We believe in fostering an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and respected.
So, come and enjoy your travel experience at Nanaimo Airport, your gateway to the world!
We encourage passengers, individuals working in our community, and employees at YCD to provide feedback about how YCD is implementing this Accessibility Plan and share with us any barriers that have been encountered.
Feedback allows us to continually work on improving the airport experience by preventing and removing barriers. There are several ways to connect with the Airport Terminal and Customer Care Manager personally, or anonymously, including:
- In Person: Customer Service Desk located to the left of the check-in area inside the terminal building.
- By Mail: Box 149, 3350 Spitfire Road, Cassidy, B.C. V0R 1H0
- By Telephone: 250-924-2157 ext.1200
- By Email: customercare@ycd.ca
- Online Webform: https://ycd.ca/contact-us/
All feedback received will be tracked, including our responses to the sender to acknowledge receipt in the same manner that it was received.
We have installed a one-on-one hearing loop system throughout the terminal. These are located at each air carrier, the customer service desk, and all boarding gates.
The one-on-one hearing loop system transmits sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants equipped with a telecoil (T-coil). By reducing background noise and delivering clear audio, the system makes it easier for passengers to communicate with airport staff and hear important announcements.
- Check-in counters with writing surfaces for those using a wheelchair.
- Select air carriers with accessible self check-in kiosks for your convenience.
For those requiring additional/mobility assistance from check-in to gate, please contact your air carrier about your booking or call their medical assistance desk at least 72 hours in advance of your flight.
- Dedicated parking close to Airport Terminal Building.
- Automatic doors into Departures and Arrivals.
- Curbside drop-off area for passengers.
If you are travelling through the Nanaimo Airport and require assistance getting to or from the terminal, please visit our Curbside Assistance page and complete the form so we can make your trip as seamless as possible.
If you would like to accompany and support a passenger up to the gate, you may be eligible for a gate escort pass. This pass allows one person to accompany a passenger through security screening to their gate. It does not allow one to board the aircraft.
Please check with your airline in advance to see if this is an option for you. Valid, government-issued photo identification will be required to receive the pass and you will be subject to the same security screening requirements as travelling passengers.
- ATMs are accessible for wheel-chairs.
- Courtesy phones are available and within reach of seated guests.
- Water bottle filling stations are available on both sides of security, with complimentary single-use cups.
- Nanaimo Airport currently has two designated pet relief areas, located outside at the south end of the terminal in the grassy area, and past security screening. For more information on travelling with pets, please visit our Flying With Pets page.
- Directions and information available from our Blue Navigator Ambassadors in the Airport Terminal Building. You can easily identify them by their blue vests.
- Wheelchair service available from your airline from the check-in area to the plane. Please let your airline know when when booking your flight.
- Braille signage at washroom entrances.
- Contrasting colours in Air Terminal Building signs.
- Washrooms in all passenger service areas.
- Doorless entry washroom and automatic door entry washroom in Arrivals.
- Wheelchair accessible stalls in all washrooms.
Visit our ground transportation page so you can make a choice that best suits your accessibility needs.
- Baggage belts equipped with start-up alarms and flashing lights.
- Wheelchair available for use in the Airport Terminal Building. Ask our Blue Navigator Ambassadors for assistance.
- Terminal Building Accessible Amenities Map
Sunflower Lanyard Program
The Sunflower Lanyard Program aims to improve assistance for travelers with differing needs and abilities.
Passengers wear a Sunflower Lanyard to signal to airport employees that they may need extra help or additional time while navigating through the airport. The lanyard acts as a visible marker from a distance but still offers privacy for the person wearing it.
Passengers do not need to disclose their invisible disability to staff. They are encouraged to inform us of how best to assist them.
HOW TO GET A SUNFLOWER LANYARD
Passengers may pick up a Sunflower Lanyard from any member of our Customer Care team or pre-order by contacting our team at 250-924-2157 Extension 1200 or customercare@ycd.com.
Learn more about the Sunflower Lanyard Program and hidden disabilities.
