In a remarkable move towards creating a more inclusive world of travel, Emirates has embarked on an inspiring journey to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™. This milestone will be formally recognized by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months. It comes after extensive efforts to improve travel experiences for passengers on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. With this new certification, Emirates aims to make air travel more accessible and enjoyable for all, helping customers navigate a more seamless journey through both its ground and in-flight services.
Enhancing Accessible Travel for All
Air travel has long been a challenge for many in the autism community, with sensory overload from sounds, lights, and crowds making it a stressful experience. According to a survey by AutismTravel.com, 78% of families report hesitation about traveling due to the difficulties faced, and 94% of respondents expressed interest in visiting more destinations if staff were properly trained in autism sensitivity. In response to these concerns, Emirates is leading the charge in making travel more inclusive, supporting Dubai’s vision to become the most accessible destination in the world.
What Is the Autism Certified Airline™ Designation?
This prestigious certification is a result of Emirates’ collaboration with IBCCES, an expert organization in autism and neurodiversity training. Together, they completed a comprehensive audit of Emirates’ services, using extensive feedback from over 14,000 people with disabilities, autism, sensory sensitivities, and their caregivers. The data collected from interviews, surveys, and professional industry feedback helped create new standards to better serve neurodiverse travelers.
Emirates has already begun the process of implementing these standards, which cover all aspects of the travel experience—from the moment passengers arrive at the airport to the time they disembark. To ensure the highest quality of service, over 30,000 Emirates staff, including cabin crew and ground personnel, will complete autism and sensory awareness training, making Emirates the first airline to achieve such a comprehensive certification.
Training Emirates’ Staff to Serve Every Need
As part of its autism certification, Emirates has developed a specialized training program for its staff. This includes educating cabin crew and ground staff on understanding the spectrum of autism, recognizing potential triggers, and learning how to best support passengers with sensory sensitivities. Emirates’ 2023 ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities’ training program reached 23,000 employees, and now, with the new Autism Certified Airline™ program, Emirates is going further to ensure its teams are prepared to assist families and individuals throughout the journey.
New Services and Standards to Enhance Accessibility
Looking to the future, Emirates is committed to continuing the expansion of services designed to make travel more comfortable for customers with autism and sensory conditions. One of the most anticipated developments is the introduction of sensory guides in 2025. These digital tools will provide crucial information about the sensory characteristics of different environments, from lighting to noise levels, allowing passengers to make informed decisions about their travel preferences. In addition, Emirates plans to introduce neurodiverse sensory products, such as sensory fidget toys, on flights to help reduce stress and promote focus.
Collaborating for a More Accessible World
Emirates is not working alone in this initiative. In April 2024, Emirates received the Certified Autism Center™ designation for all four of its check-in facilities at Dubai International Airport (DXB), marking a significant milestone in creating an inclusive travel hub. Additionally, Dubai International Airport was awarded the same certification in December 2023, becoming the first international airport to receive this designation. These initiatives align with the Department of Economy and Tourism’s vision to establish Dubai as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere.
In collaboration with Dubai Airports, Dubai Tourism, and other key stakeholders, Emirates is spearheading a collective effort to ensure that neurodiverse travelers can fly comfortably, with dignity, and with the support they need. With these groundbreaking changes, Emirates is not just setting new standards for the airline industry, but for the travel world as a whole.
A Bright Future for Accessible Air Travel
By making these significant strides in autism awareness and support, Emirates is opening the skies for travelers who have long been excluded from fully enjoying air travel. As it becomes the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, Emirates is not only setting a new precedent for the aviation industry, but also demonstrating a deep commitment to inclusivity and the seamless travel experiences of all its customers.
With these steps, Emirates is paving the way for a future where air travel is accessible to everyone, regardless of their sensory needs, and ensuring that all passengers feel welcomed, supported, and understood at every stage of their journey.
