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Sunflower

Greater consideration for travellers with non-visible disabilities

What is Sunflower?

A sunflower for greater understanding

Around one in six people live with a disability. A busy environment such as an airport can quickly become a challenge for these people.

To make the experience more relaxed for everyone, Stuttgart Airport has been part of the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme since April 2025. The sunflower is recognised worldwide as a symbol that a person has a non-visible disability – without the need to talk about it or explain it.

This fosters greater understanding – and with it, a little more consideration amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday travel.

How is Sunflower implemented at STR?

Our service is aimed at people with non-visible disabilities and provides support at times when extra time or assistance is needed. The aim is to foster greater consideration and create an environment in which everyone feels safe and understood.

At Stuttgart Airport, too, we are sending a visible message of inclusion: The green Sunflower lanyard featuring the sunflower symbol is available at several locations – at the passenger information desk in Terminal 3 on the departures level, at SAG Boarding Support, and at the airport security desk in Terminal 1 West on the departures level. On request, our staff will provide the lanyard free of charge and without asking any further questions.

Our teams are trained to recognise the Sunflower symbol – including on wristbands or badges, which are available via the official Sunflower website. Anyone wearing them can count on our understanding and support.

Find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

FAQ on Sunflower

Who is the Sunflower intended for?

The Sunflower scheme is aimed at people with non-visible disabilities who, in certain situations, need a little more time, consideration or patience. The sunflower symbol discreetly signals this need.

What are non-visible disabilities?

Non-visible disabilities are not visible from the outside. They may be temporary, situational or permanent – and can affect a wide variety of areas: the nervous system, brain development, sight or hearing, physical resilience or the way in which stimuli are processed.

Some examples:

ADHD
Asthma
Dementia
Dyslexia
Migraine
Tourette’s syndrome
and many more

Do you have to show something to get a lanyard?

No. Anyone who would like a Sunflower lanyard does not need to provide any proof or give details of their own disability. The lanyard can also be worn by family members, friends or other supporters. After all, raising public awareness of the issue is a key aim of the programme and its supporters – such as Stuttgart Airport.

What can people do when someone else is wearing a sunflower?

Our staff are trained to recognise the Sunflower symbol and respond appropriately. But it also helps in everyday life if everyone understands the meaning of the sunflower.

Even small gestures such as showing patience, offering a smile or offering to help can make a big difference – creating an atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable and welcome.

Do you have to return the lanyard?

No, the lanyard stays with the person wearing it. It can also be worn at other venues that are part of the international Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme.