The annual conference brings industry stakeholders, policymakers, regulators, accessibility advocates, and end-users together once a year to discuss and disseminate best practices and innovation.

Miami International Airport followed in the footsteps of Bologna International Airport, winner of the 2020 Airport Accessibility Award. Other finalists for the 2021 Accessibility Award were Seattle International Airport and India’s GMR Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.

The Airport Accessibility Award assesses accessibility-related best practices and innovation. In May 2021, MIA became the first airport in the U.S. to install wheelchair charging stations airport-wide. The charging stations offer people with electric mobility devices the opportunity to enjoy travel without the stress of low batteries.

“We have made a concerted effort at MIA to engage with the local disability community, understand their needs, and provide a smoother travel experience for them,” Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO. “We are honored to receive the 2021 Airport Accessibility Award because of those efforts, and to be recognized by other industry leaders from around the world.”

“Congratulations to MIA for being recognized as a global leader in passenger accessibility by its industry peers,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “I am committed to providing enhanced mobility solutions throughout Miami-Dade County, and I am proud to see MIA leading the way on that front as our community’s gateway to the world.”

The Airport Accessibility Award was chaired by Reduced Mobility Rights founder and managing director Roberto Castiglioni. “I was very pleased to see the great work the three finalists of this years’ Awards have done to enhance accessibility in the airport environment,” Castiglioni said. “Their efforts are testament that, despite the ongoing Pandemic, accessibility remains a core value in their book, and once again congratulations to Miami International Airport for listening to the community and delivering on their needs.”