The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – has taken another significant step toward ensuring accessibility and inclusion in air travel. In a move designed to better accommodate neurodivergent individuals and travellers on the autism spectrum, the agency has unveiled the opening of a second sensory room at Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A. This latest addition, located post-security screening, enhances the existing suite of support services and facilities, including the pre-screening sensory room and the TSA Cares program’s assisted screening services.
The introduction of this new sensory room underscores the Port Authority’s mission to make the journey from curb to gate as seamless and stress-free as possible for all passengers, especially those who face heightened challenges in bustling, unfamiliar environments like airports. Terminal A’s thoughtful design now offers not only state-of-the-art infrastructure but also a compassionate approach to air travel that meets passengers where they are.
“We’re proud that Newark Liberty’s Terminal A now sets a new standard for accessibility and comfort in air travel,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “With sensory rooms on both sides of screening, along with dedicated TSA support and new amenities like a meditation room and business centre, we’re reinforcing our commitment to making air travel more welcoming, more comfortable, and more accessible for everyone who passes through our terminals.”
These sensory rooms provide a safe haven for travelers who may feel overwhelmed by the often chaotic and noisy airport environment. Designed with tranquility and relaxation in mind, they aim to reduce anxiety and provide essential support before and after security screening. The airport has also added a meditation room and upgraded accessibility features to ensure that all travelers can experience comfort and dignity throughout their journey.
This move is part of a larger, agency-wide transformation. The Port Authority’s airport redevelopment initiatives emphasize a holistic and inclusive travel experience. These projects prioritize passenger wellbeing, recognizing that travel is not one-size-fits-all and that a welcoming environment can have a life-changing impact.
“For families like mine who have experienced first-hand the challenges of traveling with a neurodivergent loved one, this kind of supportive environment opens up new worlds,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford. “These sensory rooms, and the care that went into designing them, can make the difference between a stressful journey and an empowering one. They allow families to travel with greater ease, confidence, and joy, creating opportunities for connection and exploration that might have once felt out of reach.”
The newly launched 1,400-square-foot post-screening sensory room is thoughtfully curated to reflect a calming underwater theme, inspired by New Jersey’s coastal culture and diverse marine ecosystem. Travelers are immersed in a soothing environment complete with a live fish tank, gently bubbling interactive tubes, and sea life projections that dance across cool-toned aqua-blue floors and walls. This immersive design serves both therapeutic and educational purposes.
One of the most remarkable features of the room is the aircraft cabin replica. Through video simulation and physical elements like realistic seating, seatbelts, overhead bins, and digital inflight windows, travelers—especially children—can gain familiarity with the flight experience before boarding. This proactive exposure can significantly ease the anxiety often associated with flying.
“This innovative post-screening sensory room, including its aircraft cabin replica, exemplifies our commitment to designing airports that serve the needs of every traveller,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “As we redevelop our airports into world-class facilities, accessibility, comfort, and seamless travel are at the heart of every decision we make. These new amenities reflect our mission to deliver dignity, ease, and peace of mind for all passengers.”
The terminal’s operator, Munich Airport NJ LLC, also highlighted its commitment to creating a more enjoyable travel experience for all passengers. By introducing art, music, diverse shopping, and now inclusive spaces like the sensory and meditation rooms, they’re striving to make Terminal A a welcoming hub for everyone.
Michael Kunz, CEO, Munich Airport NJ LLC, commented: “As the terminal operator, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the passenger experience. From art displays and music to diverse retail options and new amenities, we’re committed to creating a more welcoming journey. With the addition of a sensory room, a business centre and a meditation room, Newark Liberty’s Terminal A is now even more inclusive. We are grateful for our visionary partners at the Port Authority for designing and making these amenities available to our passengers.”
The post-screening sensory room perfectly complements the existing pre-screening room, which opened in December 2023. While the new room offers an aquatic sanctuary, the original features a serene forested riverbank theme. Both spaces were carefully designed with input from the Anderson Center for Autism, which also trained airport staff to sensitively and effectively support neurodivergent travelers. This collaboration ensures consistency in the traveler experience, from the moment they enter the terminal to the time they reach their gate.
The airport’s process has been thoughtfully constructed to minimize stress. After spending time in the pre-screening room, travelers can proceed through a TSA Cares-dedicated security lane, supported by specially trained personnel. From there, they can step into the post-screening sensory room, continuing their journey in a supportive and calm environment.
“There’s a tremendous number of people – not just those who have autism, but their caregivers, their grandparents, their friends, anybody who might want to travel with them through hubs like Newark Airport everyday – that’s the number of people that when you do something like this, you are changing their lives,” said Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer of the Anderson Center for Autism. “You’re giving them an opportunity to leave their homes, where they often feel very isolated in the safest space they can stay in for a number of reasons.”
The Port Authority’s dual sensory rooms at Terminal A demonstrate how infrastructure and empathy can go hand in hand. By anticipating the needs of travelers who require additional support, Newark Liberty International Airport is redefining what it means to travel inclusively. It’s not just about getting from one place to another—it’s about ensuring every passenger feels safe, seen, and supported every step of the way.
Helping Your Child Navigate New Environments with Confidence
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