Emirates expands autism-friendly travel rehearsals to 40 cities worldwide
More than 35,000 staff trained to support neurodivergent passengers
DUBAI – Emirates has strengthened its commitment to accessible travel by successfully delivering more than 40 bespoke Travel Rehearsals across its global network over the past year, supporting more than 250 families.
The initiative is designed specifically for children and young adults with autism, offering them the opportunity to practise airport procedures in a structured and supportive environment. By recreating the journey from check-in to boarding, the programme aims to reduce anxiety and empower participants to approach air travel with greater confidence.
The initiative has expanded rapidly following its early success in Dubai, where positive feedback from families, schools and autism organisations prompted further development. The Emirates Office of Accessibility & Inclusion subsequently formalised the concept into a structured programme, enabling its rollout across multiple international destinations. The rehearsals now span six continents, reflecting growing collaboration between Emirates teams, airport authorities and local communities.
Emirates Travel Rehearsals
Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have coordinated more than 40 travel rehearsals at airports 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.
The scale of the rollout highlights the airline’s operational commitment to inclusivity. Across its network, more than 35,000 Emirates employees have undergone specialised training to support customers with autism. These trained staff members play a central role in facilitating the rehearsals, ensuring that participants are guided through each stage of the airport journey with care and understanding.
Emirates teams collaborate closely with airport authorities, border control and security personnel to ensure that each rehearsal mirrors real-world conditions while remaining supportive. This coordinated approach enables participants to experience authentic travel processes in a controlled setting, helping them build familiarity with environments that are often overwhelming.
Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, said the programme’s success has been driven by strong partnerships and shared commitment. He noted that collaboration between Emirates teams, airport partners, educators and families has been instrumental in delivering meaningful experiences for participants. He added that the airline plans to expand the initiative further, reaching more locations and supporting additional families.
Programme design
As the world’s first autism certified airline, Emirates recognises that air travel can present significant challenges for neurodivergent individuals. Airports are often characterised by high levels of sensory stimulation, unfamiliar procedures and unpredictable environments. According to a survey on AutismTravel.com, 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations due to these factors.
The Travel Rehearsal programme addresses these concerns by focusing on preparation and predictability. Participants are guided through a simulated airport journey that includes check-in, baggage drop, immigration procedures and security screening. They also experience airport retail and dining areas, allowing them to become accustomed to the broader environment.
During the rehearsals, participants receive mock boarding passes and interact with airport staff, including uniformed personnel encountered throughout the journey. These interactions help demystify the travel experience and build confidence in navigating airport systems. In selected locations, Emirates has arranged access to aircraft, providing participants with the opportunity to explore cabins and meet flight crew.
The programme is structured as a collaborative learning exercise, involving schools, autism centres and local organisations. This approach ensures that each rehearsal is tailored to the needs of participants, with input from educators and therapists who understand their specific requirements. The emphasis on real-time experience allows individuals to process and adapt to the environment at their own pace.
Family feedback
Feedback from families, educators and participants has underscored the programme’s impact. Parents and caregivers have highlighted the reassurance provided by structured preparation and the presence of trained staff. For many families, the rehearsals represent a significant step towards making air travel accessible.
An autism centre founder and parent in Accra described the initiative as a “road to freedom” for their child, noting the importance of institutional support in addressing the needs of children with neurological differences. Participants themselves have also expressed increased confidence, with one 13-year-old from Düsseldorf stating that the experience had helped them overcome fear of flying.
Educators have reported that the rehearsals offer valuable real-world exposure that cannot be replicated through explanation alone. A teacher in Christchurch described the programme as one of the most impactful experiences in more than two decades of working with students with specialist needs. Similarly, an autism group leader in Edinburgh highlighted the excitement generated by aircraft access, noting the positive atmosphere created during the event.
Parents from various locations, including Brussels, Barcelona and Angola, have emphasised the transformative effect of the rehearsals. Several noted that the experience enabled their children to form a clearer understanding of travel, while others reported renewed confidence in planning trips after years of hesitation. In some cases, families indicated that the programme had encouraged them to consider travel for the first time in a decade.
Participants have also shared their experiences, describing moments such as interacting with baggage systems, exploring airport facilities and boarding aircraft. These experiences, combined with supportive guidance, contribute to a sense of achievement and familiarity that extends beyond the rehearsal itself.
Inclusive approach
The Travel Rehearsal programme forms part of Emirates’ broader strategy to support neurodiverse customers. The airline has introduced a range of sensory products and fidget toys available onboard across all cabin classes. These items are designed to assist passengers who may experience anxiety or sensory sensitivity during flights.
In addition, Emirates has developed an Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on its website, providing comprehensive information for travellers with diverse needs. The platform features accessibility-friendly navigation and allows users to explore information based on specific disabilities, stages of the journey or individual requirements.
The hub includes resources such as autism-friendly travel guides and sensory maps of Dubai International Airport, enabling customers to familiarise themselves with the environment before travelling. By offering multiple ways to access information, Emirates aims to reduce uncertainty and enhance the overall travel experience.
The airline’s approach reflects a focus on creating inclusive environments that accommodate a wide range of needs. By combining staff training, tailored programmes and digital resources, Emirates continues to expand its support for passengers with hidden disabilities.
Future plans
Emirates has confirmed that Travel Rehearsals will continue across its global network throughout 2026, with additional schools and autism centres invited to participate. The expansion is expected to build on the programme’s existing reach, further increasing the number of families supported.
The airline’s ongoing efforts highlight the importance of collaboration in delivering inclusive travel solutions. By working with local communities and leveraging its global network, Emirates aims to create consistent and accessible experiences for neurodivergent passengers.