The Dubai-based carrier will train more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff as part of its commitment to make air travel more accessible for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
Emirates has embarked on a programme to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, with the certification expected from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months.
The Dubai-based carrier will train more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff as part of its commitment to make air travel more accessible for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
The initiative comes in response to research showing that 78 per cent of families hesitate to travel or visit new locations, whilst 94 per cent would take more holidays if staff were autism-trained and certified, according to a survey on AutismTravel.com.
Emirates pioneers global Autism-friendly air travel
Throughout 2025 and beyond, Emirates will introduce new standards and services for customers with autism and sensory conditions to ensure more accessible travel, the airline said in a statement on Wednesday.
The certification process involved extensive research by IBCCES, which surveyed more than 14,000 people with various disabilities, including individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities, along with their families and caregivers.
The organisation also analysed data from an International Air Transport Association (IATA) industry survey and gathered feedback from 1,200 industry professionals.
IBCCES experts conducted multiple Emirates flight audits on both long and short-haul routes to develop new industry standards. The certification requires at least 80 per cent of customer-facing staff to complete dedicated training, with a commitment to ongoing improvements.
The airline’s training programme builds upon its ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities’ course, which 23,000 staff members completed in 2023. The new training focuses on understanding the spectrum of autism, addressing misconceptions, and identifying potential triggers that staff should recognise.
Emirates plans to introduce ‘sensory guides’ – digital aids developed through IBCCES audits – to help travellers make informed decisions about various environments they encounter during their journey.
These guides were created by measuring sensory inputs such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells across Dubai locations and the inflight experience.
The airline will also introduce neurodiverse sensory products on flights in 2025, including sensory fidget toys and aids designed to encourage focus and reduce stress.
In April 2024, Emirates achieved a Certified Autism Center Designation for all four of its Dubai Check-In facilities, including its hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
This follows Dubai Airport’s achievement in December 2023 as the first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre Designation.
The initiative aligns with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism’s vision to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere.
The project involves collaboration between Emirates, the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police, and Dubai Customs.