Emirates launches first travel rehearsal programme in Maldives
Guided airport experience helps passengers prepare for air travel
DUBAI – Emirates has conducted its first-ever Travel Rehearsal programme in the Maldives, bringing its global accessibility initiative to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male.
The programme is designed to help travellers with accessibility requirements become familiar with the full air travel process before their actual journey. By offering a guided simulation of airport and onboard experiences, the initiative aims to reduce uncertainty and build confidence among passengers and their families.
The rehearsal was organised by Emirates in collaboration with Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), the Inclusive Support Unit of Aminiya School in Male, and other airport partners. Children with autism and their families took part in the programme, experiencing key stages of travel with support from airline and airport teams.
Travel simulation
Participants followed a complete airport journey, starting from check-in and moving through security screening, immigration procedures and the departure lounge. They also experienced luggage collection and meet-and-greet support, with pre-arranged officers available to answer questions and guide families throughout the process.
Emirates staff and airport teams supported the students during each stage, allowing them to understand what to expect during a real flight. The programme provided an opportunity for families to become more comfortable with airport environments, procedures and interactions before travelling.
Jaber Mohamed, Emirates’ Country Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, said the airline was pleased to introduce the initiative in the Maldives and thanked MACL and Aminiya School for their support in making the programme possible.
Emirates Travel Rehearsals
Emirates became the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline after more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed specialised autism awareness training. The training focuses on understanding autism, addressing common misconceptions, recognising travel challenges and providing personalised support for passengers.
Since April 2025, Emirates Airport Services teams have organised more than 40 Travel Rehearsals across airports in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas, alongside programmes at the airline’s Dubai hub.
The initiative has been conducted with the support of local organisations, schools and airport teams in cities including Accra, Antananarivo, Athens, Bali, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Louis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw and Zambia.
The Maldives programme marks another step in Emirates’ efforts to expand accessible travel support across its global network, bringing pre-travel familiarisation experiences closer to passengers who may face additional challenges during air journeys.