Emirates simplifies travel for individuals with autism

Emirates Launches Autism-Friendly Initiatives for Inclusive Air Travel

New Delhi, January 9: Global airline Emirates has taken a step towards making air travel easier for people with autism. The Middle Eastern carrier will train more than 30,000 cabin crew members under a new “Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities” course, a press release issued on Wednesday, January 8 said.

In the upcoming months, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) is scheduled to legally accredit the international airline.

In order to enhance the ground and air travel experience for passengers on the autism spectrum as well as their families and companions, the airline also intends to implement new guidelines and services. According to a press statement from Emirates, these plans will be revealed in late 2025.

According to a study by AutismTravel.com, 94 percent of respondents stated they would think about taking more vacations if they had the chance to visit a place with certified and qualified staff who are trained in autism, but 78 percent of families are reluctant to travel or visit new places.

IBCCE polled almost 14,000 individuals with a range of disabilities, including those with autism, sensory sensitivity, and their relatives and caregivers, in order to determine the survey’s sample size. “As part of Emirates’ mission to make travel inclusive and accessible, this important move also supports Dubai’s ambition to become the most accessible destination in the world,” the airline said in a statement.