Emirates has begun a journey to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, aiming to provide smoother travel and personalized hospitality for autistic customers and those with sensory sensitivities. Certification by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is expected in the coming months, after more than 30,000 Emirates staff complete initial training. The airline also plans new standards and services for autistic travelers and their families, to be announced later this year.
Accessible travel for everyone
For many autistic people, international air travel is difficult or avoided because of intense sensory stimuli. An AutismTravel.com survey found that 78% of families hesitate to travel or visit new places, while 94% would take more holidays if they could access destinations with autism-trained and certified staff. Emirates’ initiative supports inclusive travel and Dubai’s ambition to become a leading destination for travelers with varied needs.
To create a welcoming experience for all customers, Emirates arranged a comprehensive on-site review and audit with IBCCES, a leading provider of autism and neurodiversity training and certification.
IBCCES surveyed more than 14,000 people with disabilities, including autistic people and those with sensory sensitivities, along with families and caregivers. The findings were combined with interviews, an IATA aviation survey and input from 1,200 industry professionals to develop practical standards for travelers and airline staff. IBCCES experts also audited several long- and short-haul Emirates flights.
Detailed input from autistic travelers, global thought leaders, industry specialists and health experts informed standards designed to meet passengers’ needs. Emirates and IBCCES used this evidence to develop a plan covering the entire journey, from ground to inflight services. Certification requires at least 80% of customer-facing staff to complete dedicated training, alongside ongoing training and improvement.
Ground and cabin crews will receive focused training on autism and sensory sensitivities, equipping them to support travelers and families. It covers the autism spectrum, potential challenges, individualized support and sensory triggers. The program builds on Emirates’ “Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities” training, completed by 23,000 employees in 2023.
New standards and services
Throughout 2025 and beyond, Emirates will introduce services to make journeys more comfortable. These include digital sensory guides, developed with IBCCES, to help travelers understand different environments and plan according to their needs. Comprehensive audits of Dubai facilities and the flight experience assessed sensory factors such as sound, lighting, visual surroundings and possible smells. Sensory products are also expected in 2025, including toys or aids intended to encourage focus and ease stress, according to Emirates’ website.
In April 2024, Emirates received Certified Autism Center recognition from IBCCES for all four Dubai check-in facilities, including its dedicated Terminal 3 facility at Dubai International Airport.
Dubai International became the first international airport to receive Certified Autism Center recognition in December 2023. Emirates’ new training and standards, phased in during 2025 and beyond, aim to help neurodivergent customers travel more comfortably.
These achievements align with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism vision to become the Eastern Hemisphere’s first certified autism destination. Emirates, the department, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs are working together to advance inclusive travel.
IBCCES offers certifications that help professionals lead in their fields and improve outcomes for the people they serve. Its programs are an international reference for training and certification in autism and other cognitive conditions.
It works with cities, destinations and organizations on initiatives such as the Certified Autism Destination program, helping autistic visitors and those with sensory sensitivities feel welcome and safe. Participating tourism, hospitality and leisure organizations complete IBCCES-developed training and certification. Its free AutismTravel.com website helps families find certified destinations that meet their needs.
Source: Emirates’ official website.
