Istanbul Airport has introduced a new pilot project featuring therapy dogs to help ease stress and anxiety among travelers. The program consists of five certified therapy dogs, professionally trained and conditioned to comfort humans. The dogs have been on duty since late February, following months of preparation and intensive training to ensure they are comfortable in all environments. The team is led by Kadir Demirtas, the customer experience manager at Istanbul Airport, who is committed to providing a stress-free travel experience for passengers.
Kuki, a Lagotto Romagnolo, is the team captain and works hard to please passengers with snuggles and belly rubs. Despite his dedication to his job, Kuki also enjoys his breaks and sometimes plays hooky. The team’s veterinarian ensures that each dog’s temperament dictates their hours on the job each day, and their handlers are responsible for their care. Kuki, along with his teammate Alita, a border collie, are airport employees with official badges and uniforms. They have a set schedule and work during peak travel hours to provide support and comfort to anxious passengers.
Alita, with her intense gaze and dedication to her handler, brings a sense of calm and relaxation to travelers at Istanbul Airport. She is constantly surrounded by people who are petting her, which helps them to relax and alleviate their stress. The therapy dogs walk around the airport with their handlers, ensuring that they are accessible to passengers who may need their support. The positive feedback from travelers has resulted in plans to expand the pilot project, allowing more passengers to benefit from the presence of therapy dogs at the airport.
The dogs in the therapy dog program at Istanbul Airport have been trained to desensitize themselves to distracting stimuli, such as sounds and people, in order to provide a stress-free experience for travelers. Their presence at the airport has received a warm welcome from passengers, who enjoy interacting with the dogs and receiving affection from them. The therapy dog team’s commitment to providing support and comfort to anxious passengers has made them a valuable addition to the airport’s customer experience initiative.
As part of the pilot project, Kuki and Alita, along with their handlers, roam the halls of Istanbul Airport during peak travel hours, offering snuggles, belly rubs, and sloppy kisses to passengers in need of emotional support. The dogs’ ability to soothe and calm nerves has been evident through their interactions with travelers, who have expressed gratitude for the presence of therapy dogs at the airport. The success of the pilot project has led airport officials to consider expanding the program to further enhance the travel experience for passengers.
