Dubai, UAE, January 2025 – Emirates has embarked on a transformative journey to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, setting a new benchmark in inclusive travel. This pioneering designation, expected to be officially awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months, reflects Emirates’ commitment to providing seamless services and personalized hospitality for customers with autism and sensory sensitivities. By the time of certification, more than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will have completed advanced autism awareness training.
The airline is also preparing to introduce innovative standards and services to enhance the travel experience for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, furthering Dubai’s mission to become the most accessible destination in the world.
Accessible Travel for All
For individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities, international air travel often poses significant challenges. According to a survey by AutismTravel.com, 78% of families are hesitant to travel due to sensory-related difficulties, and 94% expressed a desire to vacation more frequently if they had access to autism-certified destinations and services. Emirates’ initiative addresses these concerns, offering a more inclusive travel experience while supporting Dubai’s ambition to lead the way in accessibility.
What Is the Autism Certified Airline™ Designation?
The Autism Certified Airline™ designation signifies an industry-first collaboration between Emirates and IBCCES, a global leader in autism and neurodiversity training and certification. As part of this rigorous process, Emirates underwent a comprehensive review, including audits of its ground services and in-flight operations.
IBCCES gathered input from over 14,000 individuals with various disabilities, including autism and sensory sensitivities, alongside data from industry professionals, caregivers, and healthcare experts. The insights were used to develop new accessibility standards that Emirates is implementing across its operations. Key elements of the certification include:
- A commitment to training 80% of customer-facing staff in autism awareness.
- Ongoing evaluations to ensure adherence to the highest standards.
- Creation of a data-driven service blueprint, encompassing the entire passenger journey from check-in to landing.
Emirates’ Autism and Sensory-Awareness Training
Emirates is investing in the comprehensive training of over 30,000 ground staff and cabin crew to equip them with the knowledge and skills to assist travelers with autism and sensory sensitivities. Building on its 2023 “Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities” training, which reached 23,000 staff, the new program delves deeper into understanding autism spectrum disorders, addressing misconceptions, identifying triggers, and offering tailored support.
New Standards and Services for Customers with Autism
Emirates plans to roll out an array of innovative services throughout 2025, including:
- Sensory Guides: Digital tools that help travelers navigate sensory stimuli in various environments, from airport terminals to in-flight cabins.
- Neurodiverse Sensory Products: Items such as fidget toys and sensory aids designed to enhance comfort and reduce stress during travel.
These enhancements are based on audits conducted by IBCCES, measuring sensory inputs like noise levels, lighting, and odors across Emirates’ facilities and flights.
Collaboration for Inclusive Travel
Emirates’ leadership in accessible travel is part of a broader partnership with Dubai Airports, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and other key stakeholders. In April 2024, Emirates’ check-in facilities at Dubai International Airport achieved Certified Autism Center™ designation, following Dubai Airports’ milestone as the world’s first autism-certified airport in December 2023.
Together, these initiatives support Dubai’s vision to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere. Collaborative efforts between Emirates, Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, and other organizations are paving the way for a fully inclusive travel ecosystem.
About IBCCES
The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) sets global standards for training and certification in cognitive disorders, including autism. Its programs empower professionals and organizations to provide world-class support for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. IBCCES initiatives, like the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) program and AutismTravel.com, connect families to certified resources, ensuring welcoming environments for all.
Emirates’ Accessible Travel Resources
Emirates is committed to making travel more inclusive through tools like sensory guides and personalized services. These resources, alongside the airline’s autism-certified team, are helping redefine the travel experience for neurodiverse passengers.
With this groundbreaking initiative, Emirates continues to set the standard for accessibility, ensuring that every journey is not only seamless but also welcoming for all.
Source: https://www.emirates.com/media-centre
