In 2024, Ordos City was officially recognized as part of the third batch of national child-friendly cities, receiving approval to commence related construction initiatives. As a representative of the “Warm City,” Ordos Airport is committed to social responsibility by positioning itself as a “child-friendly travel airport,” thus supporting child-friendly city development. After thorough planning, the “Warm City, Child-Friendly Travel” service product was officially launched on March 24. This initiative is based on child-friendly principles, addressing the travel needs of children at various developmental stages, and offers a tailored service encompassing “three good” and “five excellent” features, focusing on facility friendliness, service friendliness, and environmental friendliness. This initiative represents a new approach to optimizing the travel experience for children.

Data indicates that by the end of 2022, the population of children aged 0-15 in China was approximately 25.615 million, constituting 18.1% of the total national population. With the continuous growth of the tourism market, traveling with children has become an increasingly popular choice for families. However, parents often encounter challenges such as queuing with children and dealing with the monotony of waiting at airports. Ordos Airport addresses these concerns by enhancing service offerings to facilitate easier travel experiences for families.

1. Facility Friendliness Emphasizing Accessibility for Children

In line with principles of safety, usability, and accessibility, Ordos Airport is implementing child-friendly travel systems tailored to its unique context. A civil aviation-themed children’s playground has been established at Gates 4 and 9, featuring a plane theme adorned with bright colors and cartoon decorations. The playground includes equipment such as slides and merry-go-rounds, catering to children of all ages and enhancing the travel experience for young passengers. The third restroom has been upgraded to facilitate ease for parents traveling with children of the opposite gender, thereby eliminating potential awkwardness. The nursing room operates 24/7, providing essential facilities for parents to care for and breastfeed their children, effectively addressing the challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers and infants during travel. Furthermore, the positioning of stroller storage has been thoughtfully arranged behind the security checkpoint, allowing travelers to conveniently access their strollers after passing through security.

2. Service Friendliness Emphasizing “One-Meter” Care

Children boarding a flight can visit the inquiry desk on the third floor, where staff will offer proactive assistance tailored to their needs. Passengers traveling with children aged 0-3 can access one-stop support through the “Good Anda” service. Children aged 5 to under 12 years traveling without an accompanying adult may apply to the airline for permission to arrive at the airport two hours prior to their flight. They can then visit the inquiry desk, wear a “Warm City Baby” wristband, and receive comprehensive guidance and accompaniment from staff throughout the travel process. With the applicant’s consent, staff may provide up to two photos (of the child waiting, boarding, and landing) or update the applicant on the unaccompanied child’s flight status via phone. In cases of flight delays or cancellations, staff will promptly notify the applicant and provide attentive support for young travelers during disruptions. During security screenings, security personnel will have engaging toys available for children who may be feeling anxious, helping them navigate the process smoothly. Additionally, passengers unfamiliar with the terminal’s services can obtain a “Child-Friendly Flight Service Manual” at the inquiry desk, which outlines the locations of various services to cater to diverse travel needs.

3. Environmental Friendliness Addressing “One-Meter” Needs

To meet the travel needs of school-age children who are growing and learning, Ordos Airport has effectively identified these characteristics and developed a series of cultural landmarks through exhibitions such as “Museum in the Airport,” children’s art displays, and the Dragon Year Cultural Relics Exhibition. These initiatives provide children with immersive experiences that showcase the unique charm of Chinese culture during their travels. Furthermore, the airport promotes the “Child-Friendly Airport” concept by displaying informative posters in the departure and arrival halls and sharing travel tips for children via its official WeChat account. These efforts enhance awareness and influence of the child-fr

To alleviate the “queue concerns” of parents traveling with young children, Ordos Airport has introduced several effective strategies. Families with children aged 0-3 can benefit from priority services, including priority check-in, seat selection, security screening, boarding, and assistance, by presenting valid travel documents and confirming with on-site staff wearing red vests. In preparation for peak travel seasons during winter and summer holidays, the airport has also developed a customized group reservation service for children; further information is available by contacting the airport’s 24-hour customer service at 0477-8901111.

Additionally, Ordos Airport has partnered with the Civil Aviation Science Popularization Education Base (Ordos) to create a high-standard civil aviation science experience area. This facility offers educational resources about civil aviation and interactive career experiences, allowing children to engage with and appreciate the unique aspects of civil aviation culture. For more details, inquiries can be made at 0477-3855688.

Currently, Ordos Airport is collaborating with various stakeholders to establish a new model for a “Child-Friendly Airport,” aiming to better align services, enhance facility safety, and provide comprehensive support. Moving forward, the airport will focus on the developmental needs of children, refine its service offerings, and continue to enhance the “Warm City, Child-Friendly Travel” service products, guided by the “Heartwarming Warm City” brand, to collectively create a child-friendly travel environment rooted in responsibility and care.