Emirates has made history as the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, reaffirming its commitment to making air travel more inclusive and accessible for everyone, including passengers with autism and sensory needs.
The company confirms its intention to remain among the top-ranked companies in the world, where it has appeared for several years now.
The importance of accessibility
Traveling can be overwhelming for individuals with autism due to sensory stimuli encountered during a journey. According to a survey by AutismTravel.com, 78% of families hesitate to travel due to these challenges, while 94% indicated they would take more trips if staff were trained to understand and accommodate autism.
The Emirates’ certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), reflects it dedication to inclusivity. By mid-2025, more than 30,000 Emirates employees will have completed comprehensive training on autism and sensory needs. This training equips staff with the knowledge to better understand the autism spectrum, recognize potential triggers, and provide tailored support for passengers.
Emirates’ collaboration with IBCCES involved extensive research, including:
- Input from over 14,000 individuals with special needs and their families.
- Industry surveys conducted by the International Air Transport Association.
- Feedback from 1,200 aviation professionals.
- On-site audits by IBCCES on Emirates flights.
The certification process mandates that at least 80% of customer-facing employees complete the training and commit to continuous improvement through ongoing education.
In addition to specialized training, Emirates is introducing a suite of new services in 2025:
- Sensory Guides: Digital tools created in collaboration with IBCCES to help passengers navigate the travel experience. These guides provide insights into the sensory environments they may encounter, such as lighting, sound levels, and other stimuli, allowing travelers to make informed choices that suit their needs.
- Sensory Products: Emirates will offer items such as fidget toys and other aids designed to reduce stress, improve focus, and manage self-stimulatory behaviors during flights.
These initiatives build upon existing efforts, such as the autism training completed by 23,000 employees in 2023, and align with Emirates’ broader goal of enhancing accessibility.
