Emirates
has announced that it has launched the process to become the world’s first ‘Autism Certified Airline (ACA),’ introducing new standards and services for customers with autism and sensory conditions throughout 2025 and beyond.
New services and standards
In a statement on January 9, Emirates announced that in 2025 and beyond, it will introduce new standards and services for passengers with autism and sensory conditions. This will ensure a more enjoyable and accessible travel experience.
For example, one such service is the digital aids known as sensory guides, which were developed as part of the audit conducted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
Photo: Emirates
The guides will empower customers to make informed decisions about the various environments they will encounter and plan according to their needs and preferences. They were created by conducting comprehensive facility audits across its locations in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai International Airport
(DXB), and its in-flight experience.
“Another development expected in 2025 will be the introduction of neurodiverse sensory products, for customers on Emirates flights – sensory fidget toys or aids that can encourage focus, help to reduce self stimulatory behaviour and de-stress.”
In April 2024, the airline had already achieved a Certified Autism Center Designation for all four of its check-in facilities in Dubai, such as its dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International. The airport was the first to receive the Certified Autism Center Designation in the world in December 2023.
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Accessible travel agenda
Emirates emphasized that the push to become the world’s first ACA was part of the carrier and the city’s accessible travel agenda. The airline will continue to make progress in the area with its newest training program, new standards, and protocols that will be implemented in 2025 and beyond.
“By working closely together – Emirates, the Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs, are making significant inroads in inclusive and accessible travel.”
Dubai’s flag carrier detailed that as part of the designation affirming its commitment to making travel more accessible for customers with autism and sensory conditions, Emirates’ ground staff and cabin crew will undergo focused training on autism and sensory awareness.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
As a result, its employees will have the understanding and skills to address the needs of customers with autism and sensory sensitivities, as well as their families. The training curriculum will include information about the spectrum of autism, misconceptions, customer challenges, and how they can assist travelers depending on their individual needs.
The training will supplement the airline’s ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities,’ which 23,000 employees completed in 2023, according to Emirates. Now, over 30,000 cabin crew members and ground staff will complete their initial training months in the coming months.
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Autism Certified Airline
Emirates pointed out that IBCCES surveyed more than 14,000 people with a wide variety of disabilities, including autism and sensory sensitivities, and their families or caregivers. The data was collated alongside numerous interviews, an International Air Transport Association ( IATA
) survey, and feedback from 1,200 industry professionals.
As a result, the airline developed the most beneficial standards for passengers and airline staff. In addition to the feedback collected, IBCCES experts conducted audits on Emirates flights, the carrier said.
“Driven by its commitment to creating a welcoming travel experience for all customers including individuals with autism and those with sensory sensitivities, Emirates worked collaboratively with IBCCES, a leading organization in autism and neurodiversity training and certification, to conduct an onsite review and comprehensive audit.”
Photo: Sorbis | Shutterstock
Emirates highlighted that for many travelers with autism or sensory sensitivities, international air travel can be a highly challenging experience or something that is entirely avoided due to the high level of sensory stimuli while flying.
The airline stated that a recent survey revealed that 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations and that 94% of respondents would travel more if they had access to places where staff were autism-trained and certified.
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