Emirates aims to be world’s first...

More than 30,000 staff take autism and sensory-awareness training

Emirates continues to pursue its accessible travel goals by now aiming to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline.

More than 30,000 ground staff and cabin crew are undergoing training to enhance the travel experience for customers with autism and sensory sensitivities, with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) set to formalise the process.

Travel can be a stressful experience, especially for those in the autism community. This was highlighted in a survey by AutismTravel.com (a free resource created by IBCCES), which showed 78% of families are concerned about visiting new locations, but 94% would travel more if staff were autism-trained.

Emirates and IBCCES have joined forces to serve passengers with accessibility requirements during the entire travel experience, from check-in to in-flight.

The certification process requires at least 80% of customer-facing staff to complete the training, which includes education on misconceptions and challenges.

Around 23,000 Emirates staff completed an Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities training in 2023. In December of that year, Dubai International airport (DXB) received the Certified Autism Centre Designation.

Then in 2024, Emirates achieved a Certified Autism Centre Designation for its four check-in facilities at DXB.

Throughout 2025, Emirates will introduce new standards and services for customers with autism and sensory conditions, including sensory guides to help travellers make informed decisions about their journey and neurodiverse sensory products, such as fidget toys or aids that can encourage focus and help de-stress.

During Dubai’s AccessAbilities Expo in October, Emirates unveiled new products and creative innovations such as a virtual reality airport tour, a sign language robot, a new protective transportation device for wheelchairs, an app that provides accessible video support to the visually impaired and a chauffeur drive vehicle fitted with an electric wheelchair lift.

For more information, visit www.emirates.com

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