Emirates expands ‘Travel Experience’ for autistic passengers to more than 40 cities
Emirates expands ‘Travel Experience’ for autistic passengers to 40+ cities, trains 35,000 staff and offers realistic airport drills to ease family air travel.
Emirates has expanded its “Travel Experience” programme for autistic passengers to more than 40 cities worldwide, aiming to make international air travel more accessible and less stressful for neurodiverse families. The initiative, which began in Dubai and moved into a global rollout from April 2025, offers realistic airport drills designed to familiarise children and young people with autism with the sights, sounds and procedures of air travel. By simulating check-in, security, passport control and boarding, the programme seeks to reduce anxiety and build confidence ahead of real flights. Emirates says the exercises have already delivered measurable benefits to participating families and communities.
Global rollout reaches airports across six continents
Emirates has organised over 40 travel-simulation events at airports including Accra, Athens, Bali, Bangalore, Barcelona and Bologna, among others. The carrier reports sessions have been held in major hubs such as Cairo, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Rome, Sydney and Toronto. The programme’s footprint spans six continents and a mix of regional and international gateways to reflect the airline’s global network. Organisers say this breadth helps families prepare for a variety of airport environments and operational procedures.
Programme structure replicates real airport procedures
Each “Travel Experience” session follows a step‑by‑step simulation of a typical journey, from check‑in and baggage drop to security screening and passport control. Participants can visit simulated retail and food areas, receive boarding cards and meet uniformed staff, with some sessions allowing supervised boarding onto an aircraft. The exercises are designed to improve predictability and reduce sensory overload by exposing participants to realistic but controlled stimuli. Trainers adapt scenarios to individual needs, allowing families to rehearse specific parts of travel that cause the most concern.
Staff training scale supports inclusive travel
Emirates reports more than 35,000 employees have received specialist training to support passengers with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Training covers communication techniques, de‑escalation, how to offer predictable guidance and practical adjustments that make travel smoother. Airport teams coordinate closely with border control, security services and local partners to ensure procedures are inclusive while maintaining safety standards. The scale of training is presented by the airline as a core element that enables consistent, compassionate support across its route network.
Families and professionals cite reduced anxiety and greater confidence
Feedback collected from participating parents, teachers and clinicians has been strongly positive, with families reporting lower anxiety and greater familiarity with airport routines after attending sessions. A separate survey referenced by organisers found 78% of families with an autistic member hesitate to travel because airports present unpredictable sensory and operational challenges. Participants emphasise the value of hands‑on practice and meeting staff in uniform, noting that small adjustments and prior exposure can transform an entire trip. Emirates says these testimonials have been a key driver in scaling the programme.
Collaboration with local specialists and airport partners
The airline developed the Travel Experience in partnership with international airport authorities, border and security teams, and autism centres and schools to ensure exercises mirror local procedures. Sessions are tailored through consultation with specialists and caregivers to reflect cultural and operational differences across locations. This collaborative approach allows authorities and airline staff to trial practical adjustments while maintaining regulatory compliance. Emirates has invited more schools and specialist centres to participate as the programme continues through 2026.
Emirates Senior Vice President Sami Aqil Abdullah said the initiative’s success stems from strong cooperation between airport teams, partners and families, and pledged to extend the programme to more locations and more children and young people. He emphasised that the airline views predictable, well‑supported travel as a vital part of enabling independence and inclusion for neurodiverse travellers. Emirates reiterated it will continue organising Travel Experience sessions across its global network throughout 2026 and encouraged specialist institutions to register interest.
The expansion of Emirates’ Travel Experience for autistic passengers reflects a broader industry focus on inclusive travel, combining staff training, stakeholder collaboration and practical rehearsal to lower barriers for families. As the programme grows, organisers say they will monitor outcomes and refine exercises to better meet participant needs while working with local partners to scale impact. Families seeking to prepare for air travel are being invited to contact participating airports and local autism support centres to learn about upcoming sessions.