Emirates rolls out Autism-friendly Travel Rehearsal at Istanbul airport
New programme supports families with structured pre-flight experience
DUBAI – Emirates has brought its pioneering Autism-Friendly travel vision to Istanbul, hosting autistic children and their families at Istanbul Airport through its dedicated Travel Rehearsal programme.
The initiative forms part of the airline’s wider “Accessible Travel for All” strategy and is being gradually introduced across 17 airports in its global network. Designed to provide a structured and supportive environment, the programme allows participants to experience each stage of the airport journey before taking an actual flight.
Travel Rehearsal
The Travel Rehearsal programme aims to make air travel more predictable and comfortable for individuals on the autism spectrum. By familiarising families with airport procedures and onboard settings in advance, the initiative helps reduce anxiety and build confidence ahead of departure.
During the Istanbul experience, participants were guided through the complete travel process. The rehearsal covered airport transfers, check-in procedures, passport control, lounge access and an aircraft tour, offering a clear and practical understanding of how an Emirates journey unfolds.
The structured walk-through highlighted the coordination between ground services and onboard teams, while fostering trust between specially trained Emirates staff and passengers with disabilities. The experience is designed to ensure that travellers and their families feel informed and supported at every step.
Certified commitment
Last year, Emirates became the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, underlining its long-term commitment to accessible travel. More than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff have completed specialised autism awareness training, equipping them with knowledge of the autism spectrum, common misconceptions and personalised support strategies tailored to individual needs.
Mehmet Gurkaynak, Emirates Country Manager Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria, said the milestone reflects the airline’s dedication to inclusive travel and its collaboration with like-minded partners, including IGA, to enhance the overall passenger experience.
Global rollout
The Travel Rehearsal programme has already been delivered in Dubai, Barcelona, Brussels, Budapest, Christchurch, Durban, Istanbul, Luanda, Madrid, Nice, Oslo, Paris and Venice, with additional destinations committing to the initiative each month.
Founded in 1985, Emirates has grown into one of aviation’s most awarded carriers. As the world’s largest international airline measured by revenue passenger kilometres, it connects travellers to and through Dubai to more than 150 destinations across six continents. Its fleet includes the world’s largest numbers of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, alongside its newly introduced Airbus A350s.