Emirates Brings Autism-Friendly Travel to Istanbul
✈️ Emirates brings autism‑friendly travel to Istanbul
In Istanbul, Emirates has introduced its Travel Rehearsal programme for autistic children and their families at Istanbul Airport.
As the world’s first Autism‑Certified Airline, Emirates continues expanding inclusive travel standards across its global network. The Travel Rehearsal initiative allows participants to go through every stage of the journey in advance — from airport transfers and check‑in to passport control, lounge access, and even an onboard aircraft tour.
The objective is simple: reduce anxiety and make air travel more predictable and comfortable for individuals on the autism spectrum.
👥 Staff training at the core
More than 30,000 Emirates employees — including cabin crew and ground staff — have completed specialized autism awareness training. The programme provides in‑depth knowledge about the autism spectrum, potential travel triggers, and personalized support strategies tailored to individual passenger needs.
📘 autism awareness · trigger identification · personalised assistance
🌍 A growing global initiative
Travel Rehearsal sessions have already taken place in:
- Dubai
- Barcelona
- Brussels
- Budapest
- Christchurch
- Durban
- Madrid
- Nice
- Oslo
- Paris
- Venice
with more destinations joining the programme.
The initiative is part of Emirates’ broader Accessible Travel for All strategy and reflects a wider shift toward a more inclusive aviation industry.
Emirates operates flights to more than 150 destinations across six continents and remains one of the world’s leading international airlines, with a fleet of Boeing 777s, Airbus A380s and the newly introduced Airbus A350 aircraft.
“This is not just a symbolic initiative — it is a structured, long‑term commitment to making global travel accessible for everyone.”
🏆 world’s first Autism‑Certified Airline (IBCCES)
✈️ Travel Rehearsal · 12+ cities · 30k trained staff · IST
© 2026 – inclusive aviation · Emirates autism initiative · published feb 2026
📍 more destinations joining each month
