Emirates Enhances Travel For Neurodiverse Children With Special Familiarisation Flight

Emirates Airlines is dedicated to making travel more accessible and inclusive for individuals with autism and sensory disorders. In a recent initiative, the airline invited 30 UAE families with neurodiverse children to experience a real check-in and familiarisation flight at Dubai International Airport. The event aimed to help children practice and alleviate anxiety before traveling and also provided valuable insights for improving accessible travel.

The families, including children aged between 8 and 12 from various autism centers in Dubai, were joined by Her Excellency Hessa BuHumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority of Dubai. Adil Al Ghaith, SVP Emirates Commercial Operations in the Gulf, Middle East & Central Asia, and Mostafa Karam, SVP – Emirates Customer Affairs & Service Audit, were also present. During the event, the group used the Autism Friendly Route through the airport, which includes access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security, and boarding.

Specially trained Emirates staff were available to provide support throughout the journey. The children experienced a real-life flight, complete with in-flight service, announcements from the cabin crew and Captain, and the sights and sounds of take-off and landing.

According to a study by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), only 13% of families with neurodiverse children surveyed take family vacations due to the stress and sensory sensitivities associated with airports and flights. However, 93% of families expressed that they would travel more if there were more autism-certified options and support available. The Emirates travel rehearsal initiative aims to address these concerns by providing comprehensive training and understanding of neurodiversity to all Emirates team members. The airline plans to continue supporting neurodiverse needs and Dubai's commitment to People of Determination in the future.

During the event, members of IBCCES provided insights and feedback on the inflight experience for neurodiverse customers. Emirates and IBCCES are working together to develop an official Autism-friendly inflight certification, which could potentially be adopted by other airlines. This certification will complement Emirates' existing achievements, such as being the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Center™ Designation.

Emirates is committed to supporting neurodivergent passengers and People of Determination in various ways. Over 29,000 cabin crew and ground staff globally have completed Emirates' 'Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities' training. This online course covers topics such as recognizing autism, practical tips for assisting passengers with hidden disabilities, and information on support systems available in the airport. The airline also provides as much information as possible in advance to help families plan and prepare for their travel. Passengers can check the Accessible Travel page on Emirates.com for information and contact their local Emirates office with any queries.

Passengers with hidden disabilities can request special seating arrangements, such as bulkhead seats, and can also pre-order meals that cater to their specific dietary needs.Emirates has collaborated with Dubai International Airport to develop the Autism Friendly Guide, a comprehensive pre-travel planning tool for passengers with hidden disabilities. The guide provides a step-by-step explanation and images of the entire airport journey, including boarding procedures and available services. Passengers can also download the Emirates app to pre-select their preferred entertainment options and plan their inflight experience.

Upon arrival at the airport, People of Determination receive complimentary parking for two hours in all terminals of Dubai International Airport. They can also collect a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard, which is a globally recognized symbol for hidden disabilities. Staff members at Emirates and Dubai International Airport wearing Sunflower pins are specially trained to assist travelers with hidden disabilities. The Autism Friendly Route through the airport ensures a dedicated journey for People of Determination, with access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security, and boarding.

Emirates aims to provide a comfortable and inclusive inflight experience for all passengers. Families with children are seated together, and passengers with sensory sensitivities can request noise-canceling headphones. Cabin crew are also trained to accommodate passengers with light sensitivity by adjusting cabin lighting. Young children onboard can request the Emirates 'Fly with Me' activity pack, which includes puzzles, coloring pages, and educational activities. Passengers can also enjoy a wide range of entertainment options through the airline's extensive inflight entertainment library, ICE.

Emirates' commitment to making travel more accessible and inclusive reflects Dubai's vision of becoming a leading destination for travelers with diverse needs. By collaborating with various partners, including Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, and relevant government authorities, Emirates is paving the way for a more inclusive travel experience.