Emirates has become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, making air travel more accessible for people with autism and sensory sensitivities. The goal is to provide a smoother and more personalised experience, so everyone can enjoy air travel.
Air travel can be difficult for many in the autism community. A survey by AutismTravel.com found that 78 per cent of families are hesitant to travel, and 94 per cent would travel more if airline staff were trained to help passengers with autism.
At the time of publication, it’s thought that Emirates will receive certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). Over 30,000 Emirates staff are undergoing training to support passengers with autism.
Emirates also plans to introduce a range of new services to improve both the on-ground and in-flight experience for passengers with autism and their families. These updates will be announced later this year.