MSP Airport to create passenger sensory-friendly rooms

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) will create its first-ever sensory rooms to provide calming spaces designed to reduce the stress and sensory overload that often accompanies travel, ensuring a more positive experience for those who need it.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which owns and operates MSP, is partnering with Minnesota-based nonprofit Fraser to design the sensory rooms that will soon be built as part of two separate terminal expansion projects that will be completed by 2028.

“This is another major step to create a more accessible and inclusive airport experience, to help passengers with sensory sensitivities, or those who just need a quieter space to decompress before a flight,” said Brian Ryks, CEO of the MAC. “Through our Strategic Partnership program, we are expanding our relationship with Fraser, which has provided guidance and support to the MAC for many years to help us develop impactful accessibility programs and services at the airport.”

Fraser is an existing partner of the Navigating MSP program, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023, and participates on the MAC’s Travelers with Disabilities Advisory Committee.

“We are so honored to partner with MSP Airport to bring sensory-friendly spaces to individuals who need a different experience at the airport in order to travel,” said Fraser President and CEO Diane S. Cross. “Our partnership with MSP Airport is a big step toward making Minnesota sensory-friendly for all.”

The new sensory rooms are central to Fraser’s five-year commitment in the Strategic Partnership program, which was formally approved by the MAC board on Sept. 16. Fraser has named Central Roofing Company a naming partner for the new spaces.

Jason Stock, CFO, VP, at Central Roofing Company says, “My dad always told me that, as a parent, my job was to open doors for my kids. I figure, if I’m opening a door, I should hold it open for others to go through. Central Roofing is proud to be a naming partner with Fraser in this project. These rooms will help so many travelers.”

One of the new sensory rooms will be built as part of the Terminal 2 North Expansion project opening in early 2027. A second sensory room will open in 2028 as part of the expansion of Terminal 1’s Concourse G, between gates G8 and G18. The sensory rooms will include features such as dimmable lighting, a variety of seating types and sensory-friendly furnishings.

The sensory room partnership will broaden the reach of MSP’s passenger accessibility program, which holds the highest level of accreditation by Airports Council International (ACI), a global organization representing more than 1,900 airports in 170 countries.  

The accessibility certification recognizes MSP’s programs, policies, infrastructure design and services. This includes a growing number of accessible restrooms with adult changing tables, audio navigation featuring the Aira Airport Network for those with visual impairments, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program for passengers to self-identify to receive assistance for special needs, visual messaging, and video relay interpretation for those who use American Sign Language.

MSP is the 18th busiest airport in the United States having served 34.7 million travelers in 2023.

*Images are conceptual renderings of the future sensory rooms at MSP Airport, courtesy of Alliiance, Miller Dunwoody and the Metropolitan Airports Commission.