Virtual tours of Exeter Airport now a reality

Exeter Airport has launched a cutting-edge virtual tour that aims to set a new standard for accessibility and inclusivity in air travel.

The interactive online platform allows passengers to explore every part of the airport, from car parking and check-in to security, departure lounges, and boarding gates. It is being hailed as one of the most advanced tools in the UK for supporting passengers with additional needs, particularly those with anxiety, mobility challenges, or sensory sensitivities.

The tour was created by The Virtual Tour Experts, an award-winning Sidmouth-based company specialising in accessible 360° digital experiences. The project, which took a year to develop, was completed in collaboration with Exeter Airport’s PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) Consultative Committee to ensure it addressed the real needs of passengers.

Stephen Witshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said: “This project underlines our commitment to making Exeter one of the UK’s most accessible and welcoming regional airports, and is designed to make travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone. We’re proud to provide passengers with tools that not only ease anxiety but also make planning their journey simple, enjoyable and inclusive.”

Neil Henderson, Managing Director of The Virtual Tour Experts, added: “Being selected for the Future of Air Mobility Accelerator was a huge endorsement of our mission to make travel more accessible. We chose Exeter Airport because it is a progressive regional hub that shares our values of inclusivity and innovation. This project shows how airports of all sizes can harness immersive technology to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and create a more welcoming journey for every passenger.”

The virtual tour includes a range of innovative features, such as British Sign Language integration, sensory-friendly ambient soundscapes, and day/night modes designed to support neurodiverse travellers. It also features an “autopilot” option that provides step-by-step navigation from the entrance to the gate, making it easier for passengers to familiarise themselves with the terminal and find their way without additional support.

Feedback from a survey of more than 450 users of The Virtual Tour Experts’ transport tours showed that 97% found the tours easy to navigate and 95% felt they improved confidence when travelling.

The platform also offers practical features to enhance the overall passenger experience, including links to book parking, browse duty-free shopping, and access executive lounges. Its built-in content management system ensures the airport can keep the tour updated as facilities change or expand.

To explore the virtual tour, visit http://virtualtour.exeter-airport.co.uk