On May 2, Air Canada, the Air Canada Foundation and Autism Services of Saskatoon welcomed families to Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE Saskatoon Airport), for its first Autism Aviation Day of 2026 and the first ever held in Saskatoon. The event brought together partners, employees and volunteers to create a supportive and meaningful travel experience.
Designed to support children on the autism spectrum and the people who travel alongside them, Autism Aviation Days help families become more accustomed with the airport journey. This includes check in, security screening, boarding and time on board an aircraft, all without the pressures of a typical travel day.
“At the Air Canada Foundation, we are committed to helping children and their families access experiences that support their well- being and open new possibilities,” said Eric Lauzon, Director, Community Relations & Partnerships. “Through programs like Autism Aviation Days, and alongside our partners and dedicated volunteers, we are helping families feel more at ease with travel by reducing uncertainty and supporting them every step of the way so they can move forward with confidence.”
Throughout the experience, 74 participants, including 36 children, moved through check-in, security, and boarding the aircraft, guided by Air Canada employees, airport staff and volunteers. With extra time, flexibility and reassurance built in at every step, families were able to ask questions, explore the environment and build confidence in a setting designed with their needs in mind.
This milestone event also marked the first Autism Aviation Day to feature an Air Canada mainline aircraft, an Airbus A220, which completed a 20-minute flight and landing. This unique addition allowed families to experience real movement and in-flight sensations in a carefully planned and supportive environment, helping to reduce uncertainty and make future travel feel more accessible.
The event was delivered in collaboration with Autism Services of Saskatoon and YXE Saskatoon Airport. Their partnership helped ensure families were supported every step of the way.
“This experience not only provided an opportunity for families, but it increased their confidence in travelling with their autistic children,” said Alex Scott, Director of Family Programs, Autism Services of Saskatoon. “Air Canada and YXE Saskatoon Airport provided an inclusive, barrier-free, experience that will be a difference maker for future travel. Autism Services could not be more encouraged by this initiative. Thank you, Air Canada!”
Interest in the Saskatoon event was strong, with more than 500 families on the waiting list. This highlights the growing need for programs that help make air travel more approachable and inclusive.
“We were honoured to be part of such an incredible event with such valued airline and community partners,” said Stephen Maybury, President and CEO for YXE Saskatoon Airport. “By providing familiarization experiences for families, we can enhance the airport journey for more guests, supporting our vision of becoming Canada’s most valued airport experience.”
Autism Aviation Days are facilitated by the Air Canada Foundation in collaboration with Air Canada’s Customer Accessibility team, Airports, Jazz Aviation LP, PAL Airlines and charitable partners across the country. Air Canada, Jazz and PAL Airlines donate aircraft, fuel, employee time and volunteer support to bring these experiences to life.
Autism Aviation Days will continue in communities across Canada throughout 2026, helping more families feel confident and prepared for air travel.
For children, the experience builds familiarity and confidence. For parents and caregivers, it offers reassurance and preparedness. For families, it helps make future travel feel more manageable and within reach.
