Emirates Advances Autism-Friendly Travel in Istanbul

Emirates is furthering its commitment to accessible air travel by enhancing services and support for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities, as part of broader efforts to improve the travel experience for neurodiverse flyers.

 

The Dubai-based carrier, which has already been recognised as the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™ after extensive staff training in collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is rolling out a range of autism-friendly measures designed to reduce stress and make flying more welcoming for passengers with diverse needs.

Emirates’ accessibility initiatives include comprehensive autism and sensory-awareness training for frontline personnel, equipping cabin crew and ground staff with the understanding needed to assist travellers with autism. The airline has worked closely with IBCCES to develop these standards, which consider the full journey from check-in to arrival.

In addition to training, Emirates has introduced a suite of tools and services aimed at easing the travel process. These include a new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub on its website, offering tailored information to help passengers prepare for departure; onboard sensory products and fidget tools to aid comfort; and enhanced features in its entertainment system to support passengers with different sensory needs.

The carrier continues to work with global partners to promote inclusive travel practices and expand support infrastructure. By embedding accessibility into its service offerings and training programmes, Emirates aims to set new industry standards and empower all customers to travel with greater ease and confidence.