Emirates has strengthened its commitment to making travel more accessible for all by successfully organising bespoke Emirates Travel Rehearsals across more than 40 cities worldwide over the past year. The initiative has benefited over 250 families and is specifically designed to support children and young adults with autism by allowing them to practise the airport journey in advance of actual travel. This preparation helps reduce anxiety and empowers them to fly with greater confidence. Following strong positive feedback from families, schools and autism organisations after the initial sessions in Dubai, the Emirates Office of Accessibility and Inclusion formalised the initiative into an official programme for rollout across its global network.
Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have collaborated to deliver more than 40 travel rehearsals at airports across cities including Accra, Athens, Bali, Bangalore, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Cairo, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Luanda, Madrid, Mauritius, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Louis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Trivandrum, Venice and Vienna. More than 35,000 Emirates employees have been trained to support customers with autism and to facilitate both travel and rehearsal experiences. The airline works closely with airport authorities and partners to ensure each session is well-coordinated, supportive and meaningful for participating families. Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support, described the programme as a strong success across six continents, highlighting the collaboration between Emirates teams, airport partners, and the parents, teachers and caregivers involved, while emphasising plans to expand the initiative further.
As the world’s first autism-certified airline, Emirates recognises that international air travel can be overwhelming for many families due to high levels of sensory stimulation, often leading them to avoid travelling altogether. A survey on AutismTravel.com found that 78 per cent of families are hesitant to travel or visit new destinations for this reason. For individuals with autism, predictability and preparation are essential, yet airports can present unfamiliar processes and environments. Emirates Travel Rehearsals address this by offering structured, real-time practice experiences developed in collaboration with airport authorities, border control, security teams, and autism centres worldwide. Participants are guided through each stage of the journey, including check-in, baggage drop, immigration, security screening and navigating retail and dining areas, while interacting with airport staff and using mock boarding passes. In some locations, participants are also given access to real aircraft, further enhancing familiarity and confidence.
Feedback from participants globally has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents, therapists, teachers, children and young adults describing the experience as highly valuable. Many have shared that the rehearsals helped reduce fear, provided reassurance and made air travel feel achievable, in some cases for the first time in years. Participants expressed excitement and pride after completing the sessions, while caregivers highlighted the importance of preparation, familiarity and the presence of trained staff. Educators and autism specialists have also praised the programme for its thoughtful execution and meaningful contribution to inclusive travel.
Emirates will continue expanding the Travel Rehearsal programme throughout 2026, inviting more schools and autism centres to participate. The airline also provides a range of sensory products and fidget toys onboard across all cabin classes to support neurodiverse passengers and those who may feel anxious during flights. In addition, the Emirates Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub on its website offers comprehensive, user-friendly information to help customers plan their journeys with confidence. The platform allows users to explore guidance based on specific needs, including hidden disabilities, or by different stages of the journey such as before departure, during the flight and upon arrival. It also features autism-friendly travel guides as well as Dubai International Airport maps and sensory guides, all aimed at reducing anxiety and creating a smoother, more inclusive travel experience.
