PHX Reporter

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is offering a new service to support blind or low-vision customers. The city recently confirmed that the airport added the 'Aira' service through a mobile app that offers numerous forms of assistance, such as navigating through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. 

“Aira is a great addition," city Mayor Kate Gallego said. "It offers a whole new level of assistance for passengers who are blind or have low vision and builds on Sky Harbor's ongoing efforts to be a welcoming place for all our residents and visitors."

She said she was proud of the new additions as well.

"I'm proud to know that Phoenix Sky Harbor, America's Friendliest Airport, continues to be a leader in airport accessibility experiences for all travelers," Gallego said. 

Other local officials also praised the new project.

“The addition of Aira service started with a constituent request to my office, asking to see how we could improve accessibility at Phoenix Sky Harbor," Debra Stark, councilwoman, and chair of the city's Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee, said in a press release. “I'm proud that the aviation team took this to heart and made it happen. It's really a success story for their commitment to customer service."

Activists for the sight impaired were also pleased.

“Our organization was founded to help people who are blind or visually impaired achieve greater independence, where vision loss is a diagnosis and not a disability," Marc Ashton, CEO of the Foundation for Blind Children Chief Executive Officer, said in a press release. “By making this commitment to, and investment in greater accessibility, Phoenix Sky Harbor is truly helping to advance that vision."

Air officials commented further.

"At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, we're committed to providing all of our customers the best possible experience, which includes making sure accessibility is a top priority," Director of Aviation Services Chad Makovsky said. “I hope that with the addition of Aira service, our passengers will be empowered to travel the way they want when they choose Sky Harbor."