Emirates Strengthens Inclusive Travel Network with New Autism Rehearsal Rollout
Emirates has strengthened its global commitment to accessible travel by successfully delivering more than 40 bespoke Travel Rehearsals across six continents over the past year, supporting over 250 families with children and young adults on the autism spectrum.
The initiative, known as the Emirates Travel Rehearsal Programme, is designed to reduce travel-related anxiety by allowing neurodivergent passengers to experience and practice airport procedures before undertaking real journeys.
Following positive feedback from its initial trials in Dubai, the programme was formalised by the airline’s Office of Accessibility & Inclusion and expanded across its international network. Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have coordinated rehearsals in cities including London, Paris, Dublin, Barcelona, Cairo, Istanbul, Sydney, Toronto, Harare, Accra, Delhi, Milan and Vienna, among many others.
The rehearsals replicate the full airport journey, from check-in and baggage drop to security screening, immigration processes, boarding procedures, and exposure to the busy sensory environment of terminals. In some locations, participants were even given access to aircraft to further familiarise themselves with the travel experience.
Emirates confirmed that more than 35,000 of its staff have now been trained to support customers with autism and other neurodiverse conditions, ensuring that both rehearsals and real journeys are handled with understanding and care. The airline works closely with airport authorities, border control agencies, schools, and autism support organisations to deliver each session safely and effectively.
Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President for Airport Services Outstation & Business Support at Emirates, said the programme has demonstrated strong global impact.
“The Emirates Travel Rehearsal Programme has been a resounding success across six continents, with impressive collaboration and drive shown by all stakeholders, from our own Emirates teams to our airport partners, and the parents and teachers who trusted us to support their children. We will continue to amplify this success with more locations, more teams involved, and more families positively impacted and empowered to fly with confidence,” he said.
Emirates, which describes itself as the world’s first autism-certified airline, said the initiative responds to a significant barrier faced by many families. According to data cited by the airline, a large proportion of families with autistic children are hesitant to travel due to sensory sensitivities and unpredictable environments commonly associated with air travel.
The rehearsals aim to address this by offering structure, predictability and familiarisation. Families are issued mock boarding passes, guided through airport procedures, and introduced to uniformed staff they would typically encounter on a real journey.
The response from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with families, educators and autism support organisations describing the experience as transformative.
A parent from Brussels said the rehearsal allowed their child to form a clearer understanding of what to expect when flying, adding that explanations alone had previously been insufficient. In Düsseldorf, a 13-year-old participant said the experience helped reduce fear and built confidence about future travel.
Teachers and autism centre representatives also praised the programme’s attention to sensory needs and staff sensitivity. One teacher from Accra described Emirates’ support as “incredibly welcoming and thoughtful”, noting that sensory-friendly arrangements and tailored assistance made a significant difference for students.
In Edinburgh, an autism group leader highlighted the emotional impact of seeing children interact with aircraft and crew, describing it as a moment that brought excitement, pride and joy to participants.
Emirates says the programme will continue to expand in 2026, with additional locations and schools expected to join. The airline is also reinforcing its wider accessibility commitment through onboard sensory products, fidget tools, and its dedicated Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub, which provides tailored guidance for passengers with specific needs.
