Emirates Launches Suite of Services to Enhance Accessible Travel for Passengers with Disabilities
Emirates has unveiled a comprehensive range of new services and enhancements designed to make travel more inclusive and accessible for passengers with disabilities, during the 7th AccessAbilities Expo at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Central to the initiative is the launch of the Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on Emirates.com, offering travellers detailed information and planning tools tailored to specific accessibility requirements. The hub allows passengers to explore services by disability type, journey stage, or particular needs, including mobility assistance, visual and hearing impairments, hidden disabilities, and family travel. It also integrates resources such as autism-friendly guides, Dubai Airport sensory maps, and access to the Be My Eyes support app for visually impaired travellers.
Emirates has also introduced a range of onboard sensory products and fidget toys for children and adults, designed to support neurodivergent passengers and alleviate travel anxiety. The items, including tactile stress relievers in aircraft shapes, fidget cubes, and branded poppers, will be available in all cabin classes from 1 November 2025.
Business Class travellers will benefit from a new “mattress hood” that secures the mattress to the seat, allowing passengers with severe mobility disabilities to rest without interruption during the flight.
The airline has also enhanced its inflight entertainment system (ice) with accessibility in mind. Over 600 movies now feature closed captions and 200 include audio description, while headphones are compatible with hearing aids. New interfaces on Emirates’ Airbus A350-900 aircraft provide audio-cue navigation, voice metadata feedback, and touch-and-swipe gestures, offering an intuitive experience for visually impaired passengers.
At Dubai International Airport (DXB), Emirates has implemented barrier-free corridors, biometric access, and improved self-service kiosks with braille, tactile features, text-to-speech functionality, and height-adjustable screens.
Additionally, the airline is expanding its wheelchair-accessible chauffeur service with a new Mercedes V250 van prototype, featuring an electric lift and safety restraints, set to become part of a ten-vehicle fleet by early 2026. Chauffeur drivers are receiving specialised training in mobility assistance.
Emirates is also exploring innovative solutions in partnership with Airbus, including discreet QR codes in the cabin to provide audio descriptions and haptic guidance for passengers who are blind or have low vision, supporting independent travel.
“Emirates is championing change in the aviation industry with the goal of making travel accessible and inclusive for everyone,” said a spokesperson. “From our Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub to new onboard products and services, we are committed to designing travel experiences that uphold the dignity of all customers.”
The airline’s efforts are part of a wider strategy to advance global accessible travel standards, following its certification as the world’s first autism-certified airline in March 2025 and ongoing initiatives such as the Travel Rehearsal programme, which allows passengers to familiarise themselves with airports in advance.
Emirates continues to work closely with international partners, disability organisations, and advocacy groups to ensure accessible travel is embedded across online platforms, call centres, airport facilities, and inflight services, setting a benchmark for the aviation industry worldwide.
