Emirates’ Travel Rehearsal in Emirates Cabin Crew Training Centre
(IN SHORT) Emirates has officially become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, with over 30,000 staff trained in autism and sensory awareness. As part of Autism Awareness Month, the airline also announced the expansion of its pioneering ‘Travel Rehearsal’ programme to 17 international cities, giving children with autism the opportunity to experience and practice air travel before a real flight. Created in collaboration with IBCCES, this designation represents a significant stride in accessible travel and supports Dubai’s ambition to become the world’s most inclusive tourism destination. Emirates continues to work with international partners and autism-focused organisations to improve travel experiences and foster global understanding.
(PRESS RELEASE) DUBAI, 2025-Apr-24 — /Travel PR News/ — Emirates is setting new benchmarks for inclusive travel by becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, following the successful completion of autism training for more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff. In a parallel milestone, the airline is expanding its innovative ‘Travel Rehearsal’ programme—an initiative designed to familiarize children with autism with air travel—to 17 international cities, making flights more accessible and comfortable for neurodiverse passengers and their families.
The airline’s autism-focused advancements were timed to coincide with Autism Awareness Month, underscoring its continued commitment to inclusive service and global advocacy for travelers with sensory sensitivities.
Practicing the Journey Before Takeoff
First piloted in Dubai in 2023, the Travel Rehearsal programme mimics the full airport journey—from check-in to boarding—for children with autism, their families, and caregivers. With involvement from local authorities and autism centers, the initiative has expanded to Barcelona, Brisbane, Budapest, Cebu, Christchurch, Durban, Luanda, Madrid, Manila, Mauritius, Manchester, Montreal, Nice, Oslo, Paris, Toronto, and Dubai, with more cities joining soon.
The programme provides a guided, low-stress simulation of the airport and travel environment, helping reduce sensory overload and anxiety through familiarity and support from trained staff. Currently invitation-only, rehearsals are coordinated through certified autism centers and participating airports.
Training That Makes a Difference
Emirates’ autism and sensory awareness training, created in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), educates staff on the autism spectrum, travel-related triggers, and tailored support techniques. The designation follows a rigorous year-long review and audit by IBCCES, establishing a comprehensive approach that spans both ground and inflight services.
Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President and COO, said: “Becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline is a tremendous milestone, but it’s just one part of our broader mission to reshape accessible travel. Through real-world training, new initiatives, and close collaboration with global partners, we aim to break down barriers and support every passenger’s journey—particularly those who need it most.”
Global Awareness through Entertainment
Throughout April, Emirates spotlighted autism on its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, with curated content including Temple Grandin, Ezra, Carl the Collector, and the BBC’s Inside Our Autistic Minds, reaching millions of passengers globally.
A Model for Accessible Tourism
This initiative reflects Dubai’s broader vision of becoming the most accessible travel destination in the world, supported by collaborative efforts between Emirates, Dubai Airports, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and local organisations like the SAFE Centre for Autism and the Dubai Autism Centre.
Surveys show that 94% of families with autistic children would travel more frequently if better support systems existed. Emirates’ leadership in training and community-driven travel solutions directly addresses this need, laying the foundation for more inclusive skies.
Emirates’ Accessible Travel Information
Media contact:
Email: pr@emirates.com
SOURCE: The Emirates Group
