Emirates officially begins its inspiring journey to become the world's first Autism Certified Airlines™, providing customers with autism and sensory sensitivities with Emirates' seamless service and personalized hospitality. We invite you to experience it and make travel more accessible for everyone. The initial designation is expected to be formally awarded by the International Board for Certification and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) in the coming months, at which point more than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff will have completed their initial training. It will be completed. Emirates will also roll out new standards and services to improve the on-ground and in-flight travel experience for both customers on the autism spectrum, their families and companions, which will be announced later this year.
Accessible travel for everyone
For many members of the global autism community, international air travel is an extremely difficult experience or can involve high levels of sensory stimulation and is therefore something to be avoided entirely. A survey by AutismTravel.com found that 78% of families are hesitant to travel or visit new places, and 94% of respondents would like to have access to a place with autism trained and certified staff. It became clear that he was thinking of taking more vacations. As part of Emirates' mission to make travel more inclusive and accessible for everyone, this important step also supports Dubai's ambitions to become the world's most accessible destination. there is.
What is the Autism Certified Airlines™ designation (ACA)?
Emirates is a leading autism and neurodiversity training and certification organization, with a commitment to providing a welcoming travel experience for all customers, including those with autism and sensory sensitivities. We worked with IBCES to conduct an on-site review and comprehensive audit.
As part of a broader research effort, IBCES surveyed more than 14,000 people with a range of disabilities, including people with autism, people with sensory sensitivities, and their families and caregivers. Survey data was collated alongside numerous interviews, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) industry survey, and feedback from 1,200 industry experts to develop standards that are most beneficial to both passengers and airline staff. It was helpful. In addition to the feedback collected, IBCCES experts conducted several flight audits of Emirates on both long-haul and short-haul routes.
By collating detailed data, we ensure we capture and combine the lived experiences of people with autism, input from key stakeholders such as global thought leaders, industry experts, and healthcare professionals. created a new industry standard to accommodate passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities during air travel. Using a data-driven approach, Emirates and IBCCES have partnered to create a new blueprint for serving passengers who meet accessibility requirements, covering the entire journey from ground service to in-flight service. Emirates will lead the way in implementing these new standards. First time in the aviation industry. A thorough certification process includes ensuring at least 80% of customer-facing staff complete dedicated training and a commitment to continuous training and improvement.
Emirates airline trains over 30,000 staff on autism and sensory awareness
As part of this designation, Emirates ground staff and cabin crew will be equipped with the understanding and skills to respond to the needs of travelers with autism and sensory sensitivities and their families. I will be taking new training focused on sensory sensitivities. This training will educate Emirates teams about the scope of autism, the misconceptions and challenges faced, the myriad ways to support customers depending on their individual needs, and the potential stimuli and triggers that staff should be aware of. . The new training builds on the foundations established by Emirates' Introducing Autism and Hidden Disorders training, which was completed by 23,000 staff in 2023.
Emirates new standards and services for customers with autism
From 2025 onwards, Emirates will introduce new standards and services to ensure more enjoyable and accessible travel for customers with autism and sensory impairments. One such service is the introduction of “sensory guides.” Developed as part of an audit carried out by IBCES in collaboration with Emirates, this is a digital aid that helps travelers make informed decisions about the different environments they encounter and choose the one that suits their needs and preferences. so that you can plan. The guide was created by conducting a comprehensive facilities audit across all Dubai locations and onboard experiences, measuring sensory input in public areas, including noise levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells. Another development expected in 2025 is the introduction of neurodiverse sensory products for Emirates customers, such as sensory fidget toys and aids that can help improve concentration, reduce self-stimulatory behaviors and relieve stress. It will be.
Cooperation for barrier-free travel: Emirates, Dubai Airports, Dubai Tourism Board
In April 2024, Emirates achieved Certified Autism Center™ designation for all four of its Dubai check-in facilities, including the dedicated hub in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). In December 2023, Dubai Airport was celebrated as the first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Center™ designation. Continuing to advance its accessible travel agenda, Emirates' new training program and new standards and protocols to be phased in from 2025 onwards will help nervous customers feel more comfortable flying. These achievements are in line with the Department of Economy and Tourism's (DET) vision for Dubai to become the Eastern Hemisphere's first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD). Emirates, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, General Department of Residency and Diplomatic Affairs, Dubai Police and Dubai Customs are working closely together to make great strides towards inclusive and accessible travel.
About IBCCES
Delivering the global standard for training and certification in the field of cognitive disorders – IBCCES offers a series of certifications that enable professionals to become leaders in their fields and improve outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized worldwide as leading benchmarks for training and certification in the field of autism and other cognitive disorders. IBCCES partners with cities, destinations, and organizations on initiatives such as the Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) program to ensure that visitors with autism and sensory sensitivities feel welcome and safe. Becoming a CAD means tourism, hospitality and entertainment organizations complete autism and sensory sensitivity training and certification developed and delivered by IBCES. IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, a free online resource for families that lists certified destinations and connects families with other resources and each other.
Emirates Accessible Travel Information and Sensory Guide
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