Thursday, February 13, 2025

January 13, 2025

Emirates Will Soon Become The World’s First Commercial Airline To Be Autism Certified

Air travel can be a sensory minefield for folks with autism.

[Image: Airline Staff Rates]

Seems like the skies are finally getting a bit more inclusive.

Emirates is about to level up and become the world’s first commercial Autism Certified Airline.

The Dubai-based airline is putting its 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff through some top-tier training to better serve passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities. The goal? To make flying a whole lot smoother and more personalised for everyone.

Here’s the thing: air travel can be a sensory minefield for folks with autism. A survey by AutismTravel.com found that a whopping 78% of families are hesitant to travel because of it, while 94% said they’d be all about exploring the world if more destinations had staff trained and certified in autism support. So, yeah, Emirates is definitely onto something here.

This move comes after JSX snagged the title of the world’s first “Autism Aware” air carrier in 2023, certified by Autism Double-Checked, per Condé Nast Traveller.

The official Autism Certified Airline badge is set to land on Emirates soon, courtesy of the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

To nail down their new designation, IBCCES didn’t just wing it. They surveyed over 14,000 people with various disabilities—including those with autism and sensory sensitivities—plus their families and caregivers. They also tapped into an IATA industry survey and got input from 1,200 airline pros. This resulted in a shiny new set of standards designed to make life better for passengers and airline staff, whether you’re on the ground or up in the air.

The plan is to incorporate digital sensory guides to give travellers the lowdown on what to expect in Dubai—think sound levels, lighting, and all the potential sights and smells. Plus, Emirates plans to roll out in-flight sensory products like fidget toys and other tools to help passengers stay calm and focused. It’s a solid effort to make flying less stressful and a lot more inclusive.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is stepping up its accessibility game big time. Recently, it opened the first-ever Assisted Travel Lounge at Terminal 2, designed to be a chill, supportive spot for travellers with disabilities, including autism and hidden conditions. We’re talking about wheelchair-friendly spaces, tactile surfaces for navigation, a decompression zone for autism, and even a special area for unaccompanied kids.

DXB also got the Sunflower Lanyard Program, helping staff discreetly recognise and assist disabled passengers. They’ve rolled out dedicated lanes at check-in, security, and boarding—including an autism-friendly route. Add in perks like free parking, special taxis, and wheelchair services, plus hidden disability training for their 33,000-strong team, and it’s clear they’re aiming for that “world’s most accessible airport” title.

How’s that for setting the bar high?

[Source: Condé Nast Traveler]