Swedavia’s airports focus on diversity and inclusion

Swedavia have issued a statement, arguing that they “strongly believe in standing up for diversity, inclusion and respect for all people.”

In practice, their company goes above and beyond basic tolerance, they recognise the value of diversity and different perspectives in their operations.

Swedavia unequivocally stands for equal rights and the value of all people, regardless of sexual identity, and strives to be an attractive and welcoming employer. Swedavia is celebrating Pride season by raising the Pride flag at their airports and participating in Stockholm Pride in August. In addition, the logo on our social media accounts will be changed in June to show Swedavia’s support during Pride month. Swedavia has a long-term commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion, and this year will mark the eleventh time that Swedavia has participated in Stockholm Pride.

Swedavia strives to achieve equality and gender equality in the workplace and works to promote an inclusive and engaging culture. As a company, they see diversity as an asset and strength. Their diversity contributes to new ideas, openness and a better understanding of our passengers and employees. This year, Swedavia is once again participating in the Nordic region’s largest Pride festival, which attracts many visitors to Stockholm every year. By participating in Pride and celebrating Pride month, Swedavia continues to take a stand for diversity and the equal rights and value of all people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity.

“During Pride week in Gothenburg in June and Stockholm in August, we will have a special photo wall for those who want to take pictures of themselves at Sweden’s largest airports, Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport and, of course, we will also raise the Pride flag for those weeks, and we look forward to participating in the Pride parade, which we have been participating in since 2011”, says Karl Eklund, airport director for Stockholm Arlanda Airport at Swedavia.

Swedavia has received several awards for the company’s diversity and inclusion work. In 2022, Swedavia was named one of Europe’s leading companies in the area of diversity for the second year in a row in a survey conducted by Statista that was commissioned by the Financial Times.

“Participating in Pride has become a natural part of Swedavia. The word pride in itself [stolthet in Swedish], being able to be who you are without limitations or obstacles, also means freedom for all people regardless of background, gender identity or sexual orientation, and also creates new opportunities. Swedavia becomes stronger through diversity, and we are working to create and maintain an open and inclusive work culture. Inclusion breeds innovation and new ways of thinking. Everyone should feel welcome here – employees, partners and, of course, our passengers”, says Marie Wiksborg, Director of Business Support at Swedavia.

The Pride flag or Rainbow flag, as it is also called, is a strong and important symbol within the LGBTQIA movement (including LGBTQ+) as it stands for diversity, respect and pride, but also respect for diversity in society and in our interpersonal relationships. Pride Month, which is a worldwide celebration of diversity and the LGBTQIA movement, was established in 1970 and takes place in June every year. West Pride in Gothenburg takes place between 10-16 June and Stockholm Pride between 29 July – 4 August.