A green lanyard with yellow sunflowers is increasingly noticeable at German airports. Whoever wears it wants to draw attention to a hidden impairment without having to explain their own diagnosis. For people with autism, this can be helpful in the crowd at check-in, at security control or at large events. In 2026, further airports introduced the so-called Sunflower programme.
On the Day of Invisible Disabilities on 20 October, social welfare associations and municipalities once again drew attention to difficulties that often remain hidden from other people. The sunflower stands for a simple request for more patience and understanding. It does not, however, create any entitlement to preferential treatment.
What the Sunflower lanyard means
The Sunflower lanyard is usually green and printed with yellow sunflowers. It comes from an initiative that began at London Gatwick Airport in 2016. The symbol is meant to show staff and other people that someone may need more time, a calmer explanation or support.
It is not a special marker for autism. People with ADHD, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, chronic pain or other hidden impairments can also wear it. The lanyard does not reveal which specific impairment is present.
Wearing it is voluntary. A severe disability card (Schwerbehindertenausweis) or a medical certificate is not required for issue at the participating German airports whose information we checked. People with autism decide for themselves whether, and in which situations, they wish to wear the symbol visibly.
Frankfurt and Cologne/Bonn joined in 2026
Since 1 January 2026, Frankfurt Airport has taken part in the Sunflower programme. Cologne/Bonn Airport followed on 9 July. Both offer free lanyards and inform their staff about the meaning of the symbol.
Other German airports have been taking part for longer, including Berlin Brandenburg, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart. Stuttgart Airport reported in January 2026 that it had issued more than 1,000 lanyards since the start of its campaign in April 2025. This figure describes the issue of lanyards, not their actual effect on everyday travel.
Where the sunflower lanyards are available free of charge
At Cologne/Bonn Airport, the lanyard is available at the information desk in Terminal 1. In Frankfurt it is issued, among other places, at the service points in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 as well as at the assistance service.
At Berlin Brandenburg Airport, interested people can get lanyards at the airport information desks in Terminal 1 and at the Mobility Service in Terminal 2. Prior confirmation of a diagnosis is expressly not required there. Accompanying persons can also receive a lanyard.
The initiative is no longer limited to airports. The Barclays Arena in Hamburg provides visitors with free lanyards and pins. They are available at the info counter by block U19 and at the premium reception at entrance E5. Not every venue or shop takes part, so you should check the respective offer before visiting.
No guaranteed priority at security control
A common misunderstanding concerns the services connected with the lanyard. Berlin Brandenburg, Frankfurt and Cologne/Bonn airports expressly state that the sunflower gives no legal advantages and no general entitlement to preferential handling. The lanyard also does not replace registration for special assistance services.
Anyone who needs, for example, an escort through the airport or other support that has to be arranged in a binding way should inform the airline or the responsible assistance service early. The Sunflower lanyard can make contact with staff easier, but it is not a booking confirmation for assistance.
Why the symbol can be helpful for people with autism
Loudspeaker announcements, changing procedures, crowds and time pressure can quickly become overwhelming at airports. For some people with autism, this means considerable effort. A short, clear explanation or a little more time can then matter more than elaborate special treatment.
The symbol can help start a conversation about the specific need. Whether someone needs a calmer way of being addressed, an explanation of the next steps or a moment’s pause should not be assumed on the basis of the lanyard but asked about respectfully. More about such situations can be found in our knowledge articles on sensory overload in autism and communication in everyday life.
The lanyard remains a personal decision
Not all people with autism want to make their impairment known through a visible sign. Others feel safer because they do not have to explain again in every stressful situation why they need support. Both are understandable.
In addition, the symbol is not yet known everywhere. On the action day on 20 October, NDR reported on confusion with the sunflower of a political party. This shows why trained staff and clear information remain important.
More visibility is no substitute for an accessible environment
Sunflower lanyards can make communication easier in the right setting. Whether people with autism actually experience less strain, however, depends on how staff and fellow travellers react and what support is possible on site. It cannot, though, be inferred from the providers’ information how much the lanyard actually improves everyday life.
For preparing a journey, reliable information, predictable routines and, where needed, pre-registered assistance remain particularly important. Tips are offered in our article on Shopping, public life and travelling with autism (in German). The sunflower lanyard can be an additional help, but it does not replace accessible services.
Sources
Frankfurt Airport. Sunflower programme and issue points. Introduced on 1 January 2026 (in German).
Cologne/Bonn Airport. Cologne Bonn Airport joins the Sunflower programme. Press release of 9 July 2026 (in German).
Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Sunflower for people with hidden impairments. Information on issue and use (in German).
Stuttgart Airport. More than 1,000 Sunflower lanyards issued. Announcement of 2 January 2026 (in German).
Barclays Arena Hamburg. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Information on issue and support (in German).
Burgenlandkreis. A sign for people with invisible conditions. Campaign for 20 October 2026 (in German).
NDR. Day of Invisible Disabilities and the sunflower symbol. Report of 20 October 2026 (in German).
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