Budapest International Airport has become the first in the world to enable blind and vision impaired travellers to navigate safely and independently, thanks to BindiMaps.
BindiMaps was chosen as part of a worldwide tender under the extensive DANOVA project, an alliance of major European airports, seaports and train and bus hubs in the Danube region, aimed at providing the right technology for audio navigation for people with low vision and blindness.
The BindiMaps app will guide passengers using accessible audio, text or map directions from arrival at the airport (whether by taxi/car or public transport), through to registration at the check-in counters and security checkpoints, right through to the boarding gates.
Changing the game for transport accessibility
The installation at Budapest International Airport changes the game for accessibility in significant transportation hubs by enabling people with disabilities to navigate the airport independently rather than relying solely on staff assistance and in-person services.
Co-Founder and CEO of BindiMaps, Dr Anna Wright, says, “We are thrilled and excited to partner with Budapest International Airport as part of the DANOVA project on this significant step forward for people with disabilities.
” We’ve always known how crucial it is that everyone can navigate complicated spaces independently, and the fact that we were chosen as part of a worldwide tender shows that other major organisations around the world are beginning to agree with us.
“It’s also a major milestone for BindiMaps, representing the first step in our expansion into Europe and beyond.”
Chris Dinsdale, the CEO of Budapest Airport said in connection with the project:
“Budapest Airport is committed to promoting equal opportunities and pays special attention to the needs of passengers with disabilities. In addition to safety, a high-quality passenger experience is a top priority for the airport.When we talk about the passenger experience and improving passenger services, we naturally also think of blind and partially sighted passengers, whose orientation is greatly facilitated by the BindiMaps application, installed as part of the Danova project.”
The DANOVA project aims to improve the accessibility of airports, seaports, and train/bus in the Danube Region, led by Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, with partners including Budapest International Airport, Sarajevo International Airport, and Airports of Montenegro.
BindiMaps is a mobile app that uses audio, text and map navigation to provide people with directions in indoor locations such as shopping centres, office buildings and hospitals, as well as outdoor precincts where GPS is not as accurate.
The app is optimised for people with a disability – particularly people with a vision impairment and wheelchair users, who use intuitive, easy-to-follow audio directions and wheelchair routes to find their way around.
Key Points
- Budapest International Airport has installed BindiMaps, becoming the world’s first accessible airport for people with vision impairment.
- This installation forms part of the DANOVA project, which is focused on innovative services for people with vision impairment across crucial transport hubs and airports in Europe.
- The app will guide passengers using accessible audio, text or map directions from arrival at the airport (whether by taxi/car or public transport) through registration at the check-in counters and security checkpoints, right through to the boarding gates.
- Passengers can use BindiMaps in T2 Arrivals, T2 Departures and the Mezzanine.
- BindiMaps is a mobile app that uses accessible audio, text and map navigation to provide people with directions in indoor locations such as shopping centres, office buildings and hospitals, as well as outdoor precincts where GPS is not as accurate.
The full list of BindiMaps locations can be found here.
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