Emirates Becomes First Autism Certified Airline™, Revolutionizing Air Travel for Neurodiverse Families

For parents of autistic children, the thought of international air travel can be overwhelming, with heightened sensory stimuli making the experience especially challenging. However, Emirates airline is now paving the way for more inclusive travel, becoming the world’s first Autism Certified Airline™.

A Growing Need for Autism-Friendly Travel

A survey conducted by AutismTravel.com revealed staggering statistics:

• 78% of families hesitate to travel due to the challenges posed by autism.
• 94% of respondents would vacation more often if destinations and services were autism-certified.

As the number of autistic children continues to rise globally, the demand for autism-friendly services has grown significantly. Responding to this call, Emirates partnered with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to make air travel more accessible and comfortable for neurodiverse passengers.

What Does It Mean to Be an Autism Certified Airline™?

The Autism Certified Airline™ designation is a milestone in creating an inclusive aviation experience. IBCCES, an international leader in autism and neurodiversity training, developed this certification based on extensive research, including:

• Surveys of over 14,000 individuals with disabilities, sensory sensitivities, and their families.
• Feedback from 1,200 industry professionals.
• International Air Transport Association (IATA) data.
• In-flight audits on long and short-haul routes.

This collaborative effort established comprehensive standards tailored to meet the unique needs of autistic travelers, covering the journey from ground services to in-flight care.

Emirates’ Commitment to Inclusion

Emirates is transforming air travel by integrating sensory-awareness training into its operations. Over 30,000 staff members will undergo specialized training to better support passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities.

Training Highlights:

• Understanding the autism spectrum, associated challenges, and misconceptions.
• Identifying potential sensory triggers during air travel.
• Offering tailored assistance based on individual needs.
• Equipping cabin crew and ground staff with tools to create a supportive environment.

This builds on Emirates’ “Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities” training, completed by 23,000 staff in 2023, ensuring a strong foundation for further advancements.

A Blueprint for Inclusive Air Travel

The partnership between Emirates and IBCCES introduces a groundbreaking approach to accessibility in aviation, setting a global standard. The training program ensures that at least 80% of customer-facing staff are equipped to handle the needs of neurodiverse travelers, with a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Emirates’ initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also serves as a model for other airlines, encouraging the entire aviation industry to embrace inclusivity and accessibility.

Empowering Families to Travel Again

By addressing the challenges of air travel for autistic children, Emirates is empowering families to rediscover the joy of exploring the world. For many, this initiative transforms travel from an anxiety-inducing ordeal into an enriching, family-friendly experience.

As the first Autism Certified Airline™, Emirates has redefined what it means to make air travel inclusive, signaling a new era of accessibility in aviation.

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