WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Bradley International Airport is welcoming passengers back for the summer travel season with the launch of new programs, services and flights.
Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) Executive Director Kevin Dillon said he's optimistic for the summer months ahead given the gradual increase of passenger traffic.
According to CAA officials, airport passenger traffic is currently about 40% to 50% lower than pre-pandemic times. In April 2020, passenger volume was down nearly 98%, officials said.
In anticipation of summer travelers, Bradley Airport introduced new programs that are being rolled out this week, including a program for people with hidden disabilities.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program is a voluntary program that offers lanyards to individuals with an unapparent disability who wish to let airport staff know about their condition, CAA Public Information Officer Alisa Sisic explained.
"It's simply a matter of [the passenger] walking up to our information center and requesting a sunflower-seamed lanyard. Once they wear it, it will signal and give a subtle clue to our airport community that this passenger may need a little bit of extra time or extra patience or assistance," Sisic said.
Though the program was first launched in London a few years ago, Sisic said Bradley Airport is the first to launch it in New England. Passengers do not need to disclose the nature of their disability, she said.
The CAA is also offering an online service for passengers to pre-order food from participating restaurants at Bradley Airport, Sisic said.
The contactless new service allows passengers to place an order for pick-up before arriving at the airport or while waiting for their flight. The service is available at BDLmarket.com.
Travelers can also expect twelve new non-stop flights to the following cities: Atlanta, Cancun, Charleston, Columbus, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, Norfolk, San Francisco and Pittsburgh.
Sisic reminds travelers that safety measures against COVID-19 is still the top priority, so several policies remain in place, including social distancing and required face masks.
For those who are traveling for the first time since the onset of the pandemic, Sisic recommends reviewing any and all information provided by the airport, the airline and the final destination.