Accessibility has been a key theme in the rebuilding of the terminal, which now boasts a vast array of facilities intended to enhance the travel experience of passengers with disabilities, according to Roberto Castiglioni, Director at Reduced Mobility Rights. A visit made by the organisation just last week found that the improvements were already plain to see, though the site is still in the construction phase.
Despite its position, sandwiched between Terminals 1 and 3, Cairo airport’s newest terminal building stands out from the crowd in terms of PRM-friendly infrastructure, Castiglioni reports.Unobstructed passages and walkways were reported, along with curb ramps, exterior pedestrian ramps, clear floor paths through lobbies, corridors, rooms and lifts – a list which cumulatively spells success from the perspective of the travelling PRM.
Passengers with reduced mobility arriving at the terminal find a clearly marked drop-off point in close proximity of entrance door two. Stepping inside the building, a meeting point comprising multiple rows of reserved seating can be found, where PRMs can wait comfortably while staff take care of any check-in formalities and procedures. Conveniently, accessible toilets are located opposite.
Clear signage and intuitive wayfinding materials are placed in plain sight to ensure an unobstructed view from a distance and safe progression through the airport for vulnerable travellers. Information desks are designed with accessible corners and, while this is not the case with check-in desks, the airport maintains that employees are on hand to take care of all check-in procedures on behalf of any passengers that require assistance.
Following the soft launch of the new building, which will see the terminal begin operations with a limited number of flights to test all systems and features in a live environment, hearing loops for the hard of hearing will be deployed.
Once opened, Terminal 2 will take on airlines currently operating from Terminal 1, which is next in the queue for a full refurbishment following completion of the project in hand. It is anticipated that the new terminal will be officially re-opened in the presence of the President of The Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in the next month or so.
It is certainly likely that Cairo International airport’s impressive efforts to facilitate accessible tourism will serve boost the Egyptian tourism industry on a broader level. As the renovation project unfolds, incorporating as it does so Terminals 1 and 3, the scale of improvement looks to be even more promising.
