Cork airport staff receive specialist training to assist IBD passengers

Cork Airport has become the first airport in Ireland to provide specialist training for security staff in assisting passengers diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The airport, working in collaboration with Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland (CCI), aims to significantly improve the travel experience for passengers living with IBD, including those with stoma bags.

IBD is an umbrella term covering symptoms relating to Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, and the partnership will see Cork Airport’s search unit team members undergo comprehensive training provided by CCI.

This training will equip staff with best practices for handling medical supplies and stoma bags, as well as effective communication techniques to ensure a respectful and supportive environment.

Committed

Cork Airport has committed to a number of measures to make travel easier for passengers with IBD, including offering private search facilities for those travelling with stoma bags.

Airport security staff will also accept CCI ‘no wait’ cards to help passengers access facilities quickly, ensuring they can carry medical supplies without hindrance.

Staff will offer guidance on managing travel-related challenges such as locating the nearest toilet should the passenger be in an urgent situation, and medication storage.

Positive

Amy Kelly, chief operating officer of CCI, said that when the charity’s members approached Cork Airport, they were met with a positive and immediate response.

“It is incredibly encouraging to see how quickly they have worked with us to enhance their staff training, and we are proud to partner with Cork Airport to improve the travel experience for passengers with stomas."

Sue Crowley, Cork Airport resource planning manager, said the primary focus of airport staff was to ensure that passengers had a safe and pleasant airport experience.

“We’re very proud to be the first airport in Ireland to work with CCI to ensure our staff continue to offer a compliant, compassionate, and customer-friendly service,” she said.