Emirates Set to Become the World’s First Autism Certified Airline

Emirates 

Emirates is on track to achieve a significant milestone in inclusive travel by becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™, a groundbreaking designation awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This initiative will make air travel more accessible and enjoyable for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, setting a new benchmark in the aviation industry.

A Commitment to Accessible Travel

The formal certification is expected in the coming months, with over 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff completing specialized autism and sensory-awareness training. Alongside this achievement, Emirates plans to introduce a suite of services and standards tailored to support passengers with autism, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience.

For the global autism community, air travel often presents significant challenges due to high sensory stimuli and unfamiliar environments. According to AutismTravel.com, 78% of families are hesitant to travel, and 94% would take more vacations if destinations were staffed by autism-trained professionals. Emirates’ initiative aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become the most accessible destination worldwide, breaking barriers for neurodiverse travelers.

The Autism Certified Airline™ Designation

To achieve this certification, Emirates collaborated with IBCCES on a comprehensive audit of its operations, including flight reviews, customer experience assessments, and detailed sensory analyses. The process involved feedback from 14,000 individuals with disabilities, autism specialists, healthcare experts, and industry professionals.

By focusing on both on-ground and inflight services, Emirates and IBCCES developed new industry standards tailored to passengers with autism. The certification ensures that at least 80% of customer-facing staff complete specialized training and commits the airline to ongoing improvements.

Training for a More Inclusive Journey

Emirates has invested heavily in training its staff to address the needs of travelers with autism. Building on its foundational "Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities" program, completed by 23,000 employees in 2023, the new training equips staff with knowledge about autism, potential triggers, and practical strategies to assist passengers.

Innovative Services for Autism-Friendly Travel

Throughout 2025 and beyond, Emirates will introduce services to enhance the travel experience for passengers with sensory sensitivities. Key initiatives include:

• Sensory Guides: Digital tools that detail sensory environments in airports and inflight settings, empowering passengers to make informed travel decisions.
• Neurodiverse Sensory Products: Inflight offerings such as fidget toys and calming aids designed to reduce stress and improve focus for neurodiverse travelers.

A Milestone for Inclusive Travel

This groundbreaking certification reaffirms Emirates’ commitment to inclusive travel and sets a precedent for the global aviation industry. As the first Autism Certified Airline™, Emirates not only ensures a better travel experience for individuals with autism but also inspires other airlines to follow suit in creating a more accessible world for all.

For more information on Emirates’ autism initiatives and travel services, visit www.emirates.com.