Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), also known as Son Sant Joan Airport, is one of Spain’s busiest airports and a major gateway to Mallorca and the Balearic Islands. If you are travelling with autism, reduced mobility, a hidden disability, medical needs or any condition that makes navigating an airport more difficult, special assistance at Palma Airport can make your journey much easier.
The airport provides free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) and other eligible disabled passengers. Depending on your needs, assistance can include help navigating the terminal, getting through airport processes and boarding or leaving the aircraft.
If you are planning a wider trip to Spain or Mallorca I have some guides which will help you with planning your trip: Spain with autistic children and Mallorca with autistic children.
Quick Wins For Special Assistance at Palma Airport
- Also known as ‘Sin Barreras’ in Spanish which means ‘Without Barriers’
- Book special assistance at least 48 hours before your flight through your airline, travel agent or tour operator.
- Tell your airline exactly what assistance you need rather than simply providing the name of a condition or disability.
- Arrive at the airport with plenty of time, particularly during Mallorca’s busy summer season.
- Look for the designated PRM meeting points if you need to call for assistance when you arrive at the airport.
- If you are travelling with a wheelchair or powered mobility aid, provide your airline with details in advance.
- Consider requesting the DPNA SSR code if you are autistic or have an intellectual or developmental disability and require assistance.
Who Can Use Special Assistance at Palma Airport?
Special assistance is not only for wheelchair users. Passengers may require assistance for many different reasons.
You may need assistance if you or someone you are travelling with has:
- Autism
- An intellectual or developmental disability
- A hidden disability
- Mobility difficulties
- Chronic pain or fatigue
- A visual impairment
- A hearing impairment
- A temporary injury
- A condition that makes walking long distances difficult
The type of assistance you receive should be based on your individual needs. I have guides that cover travelling with a number of these disabilities or differences: travelling with ADHD, travelling with allergies, travelling with reduced mobility, travelling with autism and travelling with fibromyalgia.
How to Book Special Assistance at Palma Airport
Special assistance should normally be requested through your airline, travel agent or tour operator. It is recommended that you request assistance at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure. Booking in advance allows your airline and the airport assistance provider to prepare for your arrival.
When requesting assistance, explain exactly what you need help with. This might include:
- Travelling long distances through the terminal
- Using a wheelchair
- Navigating the airport
- Reaching your departure gate
- Boarding the aircraft
- Leaving the aircraft after landing
- Travelling with your own wheelchair or mobility equipment
Providing specific information can help ensure that the special assistance at Palma Airport arranged is suitable for you. To learn more about the types of help you can get at the airport, head to my guide about airport special assistance so you can get an idea of what you can ask for.
Airline SSR Codes
Your airline may add a Special Service Request (SSR) code to your booking to indicate the type of assistance you require.
Common wheelchair assistance codes include WCHR, WCHS and WCHC, while DPNA may be used for a passenger with an intellectual or developmental disability who requires assistance. If you’d like to learn more about the DPNA code and who can use it my guide explains all of that.
If you are unsure which SSR code applies to you, explain your needs to your airline rather than requesting a particular code based solely on its description. I have a guide which lists out all of the airline disability SSR codes so you can browse it and figure out which one suits your situation best.
Arriving at Palma Airport For Your Flight
If you have booked special assistance at Palma Airport, follow the instructions provided by your airline and allow plenty of time before departure. Palma Airport has designated meeting points for passengers requiring assistance. The meeting points can be identified by the sign above them with a blue ‘i’ alongside a yellow wheelchair symbol. These allow you to notify the assistance service that you have arrived and are ready to receive support. Depending on your needs, assistance can then be provided as you make your way through the airport.
During the busy summer months, Palma Airport can be particularly crowded. Arriving with additional time can reduce some of the stress associated with queues and busy terminal areas.
Special Assistance Meeting Points at Palma Airport
Passengers requiring PRM assistance can use designated meeting points at the airport. When you arrive at one of these points, you can notify the assistance service that you are there.
If you are being dropped off at the airport, it can be useful to check the location of the nearest assistance meeting point before travelling. This can reduce the amount of walking required before assistance begins.
Where to Find the Special Assistance Meeting Points at Palma Airport
There are several designated special assistance meeting points located around Palma Airport. You can find them in the following locations:
- Outside the main terminal building on the forecourt at Floor 2, Departures (Check-in).
- Inside the main terminal building in the Floor 2 Departures (Check-in) hall.
- On the far side of the Floor 2 Departures (Check-in) hall inside the main terminal.
- Outside the main terminal building on the forecourt at Ground Floor Arrivals.
- On Floor 4 of the parking building, close to the connecting walkway leading to the terminal’s Departures area.
- Outside the ground floor of the parking building, near the bus stop and underneath the connecting walkway.
Hidden Disabilities And Autism at Palma Airport
Not every passenger who requires assistance has a visible disability. Autistic passengers and people with intellectual, developmental or other hidden disabilities may find certain parts of the airport experience particularly challenging.
Difficulties may include:
- Crowds
- Noise
- Long queues
- Unexpected changes
- Communication difficulties
- Sensory overload
- Unfamiliar procedures
- Waiting for long periods
If you or your child requires support because of a hidden disability, explain your individual needs when arranging Palma Airport disability assistance.
DPNA Assistance at Palma Airport
DPNA is an airline SSR code generally used for a passenger with an intellectual or developmental disability who requires assistance. This can be relevant to some autistic passengers who need help navigating the airport but do not require physical mobility assistance.
The support required will vary considerably between passengers. When contacting your airline, explain what aspects of the airport journey are likely to be difficult and what assistance would help.
To learn more about how Palma Airport supports those with hidden disabilities you can read more on the AENA website page for hidden disabilities at Mallorca Airport.
The Aena Badge For People With Invisible Disabilities
Palma de Mallorca Airport is part of the Aena airport network, which offers a special badge for passengers with invisible disabilities. The badge is designed to discreetly indicate to airport staff that the person wearing it may need additional understanding, patience or support while travelling through the airport.
The Aena badge may be useful for autistic passengers and people with other non-visible disabilities who can find busy airport environments, queues, communication or unexpected changes difficult. Wearing the badge can help make staff aware of an invisible disability without the passenger or their family having to repeatedly explain their needs.
It is important to remember that the Aena invisible disabilities badge is not the same as booking special assistance. If you require specific help navigating Palma Airport or assistance getting to or from the aircraft, you should still arrange the appropriate assistance through your airline in advance.
The badge also does not automatically guarantee priority access to every airport process. Any adjustments or support available may depend on the passenger’s individual circumstances and the procedures in place at Palma Airport.
Passengers who would benefit from the scheme can request the badge through Aena before travelling. It is worth applying in advance and checking the latest information for Palma de Mallorca Airport before your journey. I have a guide dedicated to the AENA hidden disability badge and how to apply for it so you can get yours without any headaches. The AENA badge is the only Palma Airport disability badge that is recognised in Palma Airport.
Security Screening With Special Assistance at Palma Airport
Security screening can be one of the more challenging parts of travelling through an airport, particularly for passengers with sensory sensitivities, communication difficulties or medical needs. If you are using special assistance, staff can help guide you through the airport process. If you or your child has difficulty understanding instructions, being touched or separating from essential items, it can be helpful to explain this before screening begins.
Passengers travelling with medication, liquid medication or medical equipment should also check the relevant security requirements before travelling. To make travelling with medication easier, I have written a guide about what to include on your doctors letter for travelling with medication so you can get it right the first time.
Boarding Your Flight at Palma Airport
Depending on your individual assistance requirements and airline procedures, support may be available when travelling from the departure gate to the aircraft.
Passengers with significant mobility needs may require specialised equipment to board the aircraft if boarding is not via an airbridge.
If you would benefit from boarding at a particular time because of autism, sensory needs or another disability, discuss this with your airline and the assistance team.
Some autistic passengers prefer to board early so they can settle into their seat before the aircraft becomes busy. Others may prefer to board later to minimise the amount of time spent sitting on the aircraft. The best option depends on the individual passenger.
Arriving at Palma Airport With Special Assistance
If Palma de Mallorca Airport is your destination, assistance can also be arranged for your arrival.
Depending on your needs, this may include assistance with:
- Leaving the aircraft
- Travelling through the terminal
- Passport control where applicable
- Reaching baggage reclaim
- Collecting mobility equipment
- Reaching an agreed point within the airport
If you are travelling with your own wheelchair or mobility aid, confirm with your airline where it will be returned to you after landing.
To learn more about barrier free travel at Mallorca Palma Airport you can read more on the airport website page for persons with reduced mobility.
Travelling With a Wheelchair or Mobility Equipment
If you are travelling with your own wheelchair, powered wheelchair, mobility scooter or other mobility equipment, inform your airline before travelling.
Your airline may need information about:
- The dimensions of the mobility aid
- Its weight
- Whether it can be folded
- The type of battery it uses
- How the battery can be disconnected or isolated
Battery-powered mobility equipment may be subject to specific aviation safety requirements, so it is important to provide accurate information in advance. Where possible, consider taking photographs of your mobility equipment before handing it over for transport. You may also want to attach clear instructions explaining how it should be handled.
Travelling Through Palma Airport With an Autistic Child
Airports can be particularly challenging for autistic children because they involve multiple transitions, unfamiliar environments, crowds and unpredictable waiting times.
Preparing in advance can help.
You may want to bring:
- Noise-cancelling headphones or ear defenders
- Familiar snacks
- Comfort items
- Fidget or sensory toys
- A tablet or phone with downloaded entertainment
- A visual schedule
- Photos showing different stages of the airport journey
Explaining the journey as a series of smaller steps can also make the experience more predictable.
For example:
Arrive at the airport → check in → go through security → find the gate → wait → board the plane.
If your child needs assistance navigating these stages, request support through your airline before travelling.
How Much Does Special Assistance at Palma Airport Cost?
Special assistance at Palma Airport for eligible disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility is provided free of charge. You should not be charged for requesting standard airport PRM assistance. Ready to learn more about PRM? I have a guide that explains what PRM means and what it covers.
How Early Should I Book Palma Airport Special Assistance?
You should aim to request special assistance at Palma Airport least 48 hours before your flight. You can still ask for assistance if you have not booked in advance, but the airport may not be able to provide the same level of service immediately.
Booking ahead gives the assistance team time to prepare for your needs. You can also make a booking, or a backup booking, via the PRM Assist app.
Tips For Using Special Assistance at Palma Airport
- Book your assistance as early as possible and keep a record of your request.
- Check your booking before travelling to make sure your assistance request has been added correctly.
- When you arrive at Palma Airport, make yourself known at the appropriate assistance meeting point or follow the instructions provided by your airline.
- If your needs change, tell the assistance team. The support you require when you arrive at the airport may be different from what you expected when you originally booked your flight.
- Most importantly, be specific about what you need. Saying “I need special assistance” provides less useful information than explaining that you cannot walk long distances, need help navigating unfamiliar environments or require additional support because of an intellectual or developmental disability.
Contact The Mallorca Airport Special Assistance Team
If you still have unanswered questions about the Palma Airport disability assistance you can contact the airport directly using the following information:
Telephone: (+34) 91 321 10 00 | Open from 7:00 to 00:00.
Email: sinbarreras@aena.es
Palma Airport can become extremely busy, particularly during the peak summer holiday season, and the size of the terminal can make travelling difficult for passengers with mobility needs and other disabilities. The waits at Palma Airport are much worse than usual due to the EES registration taking place throughout 2026. If you are unsure how you will handle registering for the EES system with a disability – not to worry, my guide explains all of that too.
Booking special assistance at Palma Airport in advance can provide valuable support throughout your journey.
Whether you need wheelchair assistance, help navigating the terminal or support because of a hidden disability, arranging assistance before you travel can make your experience at Palma de Mallorca Airport more manageable.
The most important step is to contact your airline at least 48 hours before travelling and explain your individual requirements as clearly as possible. This gives both your airline and the airport assistance service the best opportunity to provide the support you need.
Continue Planning Your Spain Family Trip
Start with planning your overall Spain family adventure, including flights, regional travel, choosing the right destinations and understanding how sensory differences may affect your trip
- Looking for a full overview before you book? Learn more about visiting Spain with autistic children, including transport, food, accommodation and sensory-friendly travel tips
- Prefer island holidays with beaches, sunshine and resort-style stays? Discover The Canary Islands with autistic children for calmer resorts, family-friendly hotels and year-round warm weather
- Flying through Spain? Find special assistance links for Spain’s airports so you can arrange support directly with the airport before you travel
- Travelling with a hidden disability? Learn how the AENA hidden disability badge for Spain works and which Spanish airports currently support it
- Planning a city break? Explore our Barcelona guide for family attractions, transport advice and sensory considerations in one of Spain’s busiest cities
- Want a more relaxed Balearic Islands experience? Read our Mallorca guide for beaches, family resorts and quieter holiday options
- Looking for nightlife, beaches and beautiful old towns? Discover Ibiza with autistic children, including calmer areas beyond the party reputation
- Using trains, metros or buses during your trip? Read our guide to accessible transport in Spain for practical information on getting around more easily with additional needs
Continue Planning Your Europe Travel Itinerary With Children
- Start with planning your overall Europe family trip, including flights, transport, pacing and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Looking for an easier first-time Europe destination? Consider visiting Denmark with kids for organised cities, reliable transport and family-friendly attractions
- Dreaming of pasta and pizza? Learn more about visiting Italy with autistic kids
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Paris with autistic children, including transport, attractions and sensory considerations
- Want scenic train journeys and nature? Learn more about Switzerland with autistic children for mountain views, calm towns and predictable travel routines
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Trip With My Guides
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