Travelers flying through Istanbul Airport can now de-stress with the help of some furry friends. The airport has launched a successful pilot program utilizing therapy dogs to soothe anxious passengers, and with glowing reviews, theyre planning to expand the initiative. For the past month, Istanbul Airport has been deploying a team of specially trained therapy dogs to roam the terminals, offering emotional support to passengers. Passengers have embraced the program, with many finding comfort in interacting with the gentle canines. Anastasia Podmazova, a recent traveler at the airport, couldnt hide her delight while petting a therapy dog named Kuki. It relaxes me, she said. I love animals. It is very good.Passengers find solace in Dogs companionshipThe positive feedback has spurred the airport operator, IGA, to invest further in the program. Abdulkadir Demirtas, a customer experience manager at IGA, announced plans to double the number of therapy dogs from five to ten. Travelling can be stressful, Demirtas acknowledged, and research shows that interaction with animals can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.Ensuring the dogs remain calm and well-behaved in the bustling airport environment is crucial. Murat Cengiz Koca, a dog behavioral expert and trainer who supervises the canine crew, explained the rigorous selection and training process. These dogs have undergone a year of intensive training, Koca said. Theyve been specifically chosen for their temperament and ability to handle the sights and sounds of a busy airport. Only the most successful graduates join the program.The success of the Istanbul Airport therapy dog program showcases the growing recognition of animal-assisted therapy in reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being. As the program expands, even more travelers can look forward to a more relaxed and enjoyable airport experience, thanks to the calming presence of these furry therapists.
