AUSTIN, Texas – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is expanding accessibility services for travelers through a new partnership with Aira Explorer, a leading visual interpreting service that provides on-demand assistance for people who are blind or have low vision.
Through the Aira Explorer app, travelers at AUS can connect with a professionally trained visual interpreter free of charge, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using a traveler’s smartphone camera and microphone, visual interpreters can provide real-time assistance by describing surroundings, reading signs and information displays, helping with navigation, locating amenities and supporting a variety of travel-related tasks throughout the airport.
The Aira Explorer app also includes an AI-powered image description feature that provides instant visual information, with the option to have a professional visual interpreter verify the information for additional accuracy.
“At AUS, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for every traveler,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Chief Executive Officer of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. “Partnering with Aira Explorer helps remove barriers by providing blind and low-vision passengers with greater independence, confidence and access to information throughout their journey. This service reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and ensuring all travelers can navigate our airport with ease.”
Aira Explorer’s professional visual interpreters undergo extensive training and follow strict privacy and confidentiality standards. Calls are typically answered within seconds, and the service is available at no cost to users while they are at AUS.
Travelers can use Aira Explorer for assistance with a wide range of airport-related tasks, including navigating from curbside drop-off locations to airline check-in counters, locating security checkpoints and gates, finding restaurants and retail shops, reading flight information displays and identifying airport amenities.
Earlier this month, AUS partnered with Austin Lighthouse (Travis Association for the Blind), Open Doors Organization, the Austin Chapter of the American Council for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, Austin Chapter, and the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to test Aira Explorer in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Feedback from participants helps AUS better understand the needs of blind and visually impaired travelers and continue enhancing the airport experience for all customers.
“Tools like Aira Explorer can help make air travel more accessible and independent for people who are blind or have low vision,” said participant Pam Chesser, President of the National Federation of the Blind, Austin Chapter. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with AUS and provide feedback that can help improve the travel experience for our community.”
To get started, travelers can download the free Aira Explorer app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, create an account and place a call with the tap of a button. Aira Explorer is also available through a desktop application and can be used with Meta AI glasses.
See Aira Explorer in action at AUS: Watch a demonstration video to learn how travelers who are blind or have low vision can use Aira Explorer to navigate the airport with real-time assistance: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/WTE6PlfvKaU?si=azoCcEOA8gzU3PzZ
For more information about accessibility services at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, visit FlyAustin.com.
