Dubai: As part of Autism Awareness month, Emirates has achieved several milestones in its mission to make travel more accessible. One year after the airline’s first successful ‘travel rehearsal’, the program is being expanded to 17 cities, allowing children with autism to practice navigating the airport and preparing for real flights. Emirates has also become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, with over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff trained to support customers with autism. Throughout April, Emirates highlighted autism awareness to millions of passengers globally by showcasing content about neurodiversity on its inflight entertainment system, ice.
According to Emirates News Agency, Adel al Redha, Deputy President and COO of Emirates, stated that the airline has been making progress in accessible travel as part of its operational strategy. Recognized as a Certified Autism CenterS at the beginning of 2024, Emirates has upskilled its teams and now boasts the title of the world’s first autism-certified airline. The airline has trained 30,000 frontline staff and cabin crew to support customers with autism.
The Travel Rehearsal program is being rolled out in cities worldwide, including Barcelona, Brisbane, Budapest, Cebu, Christchurch, Dubai, Durban, Luanda, Madrid, Manila, Mauritius, Manchester, Montreal, Nice, Oslo, Paris, and Toronto, with additional destinations joining the initiative each month.
The concept of Travel Rehearsal began in 2023 through a collaboration involving Emirates, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, and several schools and centers for autism in Dubai. Feedback from these groups was instrumental in developing the program.
On a global scale, parents, therapists, and teachers involved in the travel rehearsals have reported to Emirates that the experience has been invaluable. It helps children have a safe and successful flight by providing the comfort of preparation and familiarity, alongside trained staff for support. Emirates is introducing the travel rehearsal initiative in many cities on its network, in partnership with airports, authorities, local centers, and other stakeholders.