As part of Autism Awareness Month, Emirates has marked a series of significant milestones in its ongoing mission to make air travel more inclusive.
The airline has officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, with over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff trained to support passengers with autism.
A key highlight of Emirates’ accessibility drive is the expansion of its Travel Rehearsal programme to 17 cities globally, including Dubai, Barcelona, Brisbane, and Toronto. Originally launched in 2023 as a community collaboration in Dubai, the initiative allows children with autism to simulate the airport experience—easing anxiety and building familiarity ahead of real journeys.
“Travel should be accessible to all,”
said Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and COO, Emirates.
“This programme helps break down barriers and ensures a safe, supportive experience for every passenger.”
Emirates is working with local authorities, schools, and autism centers to deliver the programme, which is currently offered by invitation through accredited partners. Feedback from parents, therapists, and educators has been overwhelmingly positive, with many citing the initiative as a game-changer for children who previously struggled with the unpredictability of air travel.
Throughout April, Emirates also spotlighted neurodiversity on its inflight entertainment system, ice, featuring curated content such as movies, TV shows, and podcasts focused on autism awareness.
With more destinations joining each month, the airline’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to embedding accessibility into its operations—not just as a campaign, but as a core value.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
