Air Canada Autism Aviation Days expand across Canada

Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation hosted Autism Aviation Days in multiple Canadian cities this year, offering families the chance to walk through the airport and pre-flight process in a controlled, low-pressure setting. 

The program is designed to allow children on the autism spectrum to familiarize themselves with the steps involved in flying, including check-in, boarding and aircraft taxiing.

With support from Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines, events were held in Vancouver, Kamloops, Calgary, St. John’s, Quebec City, Winnipeg and Edmonton.

"Autism Aviation Days expanded significantly this year," said Brigitte St-Pierre, director, official languages and community engagement at Air Canada. 

"We were able to offer this experience to more families from coast to coast, and we look forward to continuing this meaningful initiative next year. We are honoured to have supported so many autism organizations this year, who do tremendous work in their communities. We also thank our loyal partners Jazz Aviation and PAL Airlines for their help making those events possible."

"The initial concept was to reassure families that air travel could be a possibility. Having been approached by a travel advisor who is a Certified Autism Travel Professional based in Victoria, BC – the first Autism Aviation Day took flight at the Victoria International Airport," says Edna Ray, senior manager, regional sales at Air Canada, who first approached the Air Canada Foundation with the idea. 

"The increased demand for the events this year demonstrated families with children on the spectrum most definitely would like to enjoy air travel, and we’re happy to be able to introduce families to that possibility."

"Accessibility is measured in many ways," said Paul Walsh, CEO, Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador. 

"On October 5th, I saw smiles and tears of joy as families realized they’d broken through a barrier that has denied them the ability to travel together. When any part of society breaks down barriers, we get closer to true equity and inclusion."

"The Air Canada Foundation’s dedication toward inclusion and accessibility helped create a reassuring and memorable experience for many families," added Johanne Potvin, vice president of the Fondation de l’autisme de Québec. 

"We were moved by the team’s professionalism, compassion and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people with autism. Over 60 people had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with airport procedures, from check-in to boarding."

In 2024, four Autism Aviation Days were held, involving more than 125 children and their families. 

In 2025, demand increased and seven events took place, helping more than 450 children and their families, including first-time events in Quebec and Newfoundland.

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