Emirates Launches Innovative Travel Rehearsals for Autistic Travelers

Emirates has demonstrated its dedication to inclusive travel by successfully organizing upwards of 40 specialized Travel Rehearsals worldwide for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. This initiative has positively impacted over 250 families, alleviating travel-related anxiety and enabling better preparedness for actual flights.

The Emirates Travel Rehearsal program allows participants to navigate the entire travel process, including check-in, security procedures, boarding, and other vital steps. This immersive experience empowers families and autistic children to familiarize themselves with the airport atmosphere ahead of their planned trips.

Following encouraging responses from initial rehearsals held in Dubai, the Emirates Office of Accessibility & Inclusion officially launched the program for a global audience. Since April 2025, these rehearsals have taken place at leading international airports in cities like Dubai, London, Paris, Delhi, Barcelona, Sydney, Toronto, Istanbul, Milan, Brussels, Cairo, Dublin, and many more across six continents.

Additionally, Emirates has provided training for over 35,000 staff members to assist customers with autism effectively. These trained teams coordinate closely with airport officials and partners to ensure a secure, supportive, and welcoming environment for the families involved in this initiative.

Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Emirates Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, remarked on the successful collaboration among all involved parties. He emphasized the trust parents and teachers place in the program and affirmed Emirates' plans to widen the initiative's reach to benefit more locations and families in the future.