Post by : Badri Ariffin

Emirates has reinforced its dedication to accessible travel by executing over 40 specialized Travel Rehearsals globally for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. This initiative has successfully assisted over 250 families in alleviating travel-related anxiety and enhancing their confidence for future flights.

The Emirates Travel Rehearsal program enables participants to rehearse the complete journey through the airport, encompassing check-in, security procedures, boarding, and other essential travel steps. This immersive experience allows families and children to acclimatize to the airport atmosphere ahead of their actual travel.

After receiving positive responses from initial sessions in Dubai, Emirates’ Office of Accessibility & Inclusion officially expanded the program for global implementation. As of April 2025, these rehearsals have taken place in key international airports across cities such as Dubai, London, Paris, Delhi, Barcelona, Sydney, Toronto, Istanbul, Milan, Brussels, and Cairo, among others.

To bolster this initiative, Emirates has trained over 35,000 employees to cater to customers with autism. These specially trained staff collaborate closely with airport authorities and partners, ensuring that every rehearsal is a positive, safe, and comfortable experience for the participating families.

Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, noted the strong cooperation from all involved parties. He emphasized the confidence expressed by parents and educators, indicating plans for further expansion of the initiative to serve even more families and locations in the future.

#world news #Global News #Dubai News #UAE News