Air travel can be challenging for families with autistic children. The crowds, noise, and unfamiliar often lead to stressful situations, making some families hesitant to fly. Emirates is working to change this by becoming the world's first Autism Certified Airline, offering services designed to make travel more accessible and comfortable for neurodiverse passengers.
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In partnership with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Emirates is training over 30,000 crew and ground staff to better understand autism and sensory sensitivities. The training focuses on recognizing challenges, reducing sensory triggers, and offering practical support to families.
For parents of autistic children, this initiative could make air travel more manageable. A recent survey by Autism Travel found that 78% of families with autistic children hesitate to travel, but 94% would be more likely to fly if staff were autism-trained. Emirates aims to address this by rethinking the entire travel experience, from check-in to landing.
The airline plans to introduce sensory guides to help families prepare for each stage of the journey. Onboard, children will have access to sensory-friendly items like fidget toys to stay calm and focused, making flights less overwhelming.
Emirates is also equipping its teams with the skills to support neurodiverse passengers effectively, building on earlier training completed by thousands of staff. This ongoing commitment to inclusivity is key to the program's success, ensuring staff can provide personalized assistance to families throughout their journey.
The airline has already achieved autism certification for its check-in facilities and is working with partners to ensure a smoother journey for all.
For many families, this program offers a chance to travel with more confidence. By striving to become the world's first Autism Certified Airline, Emirates is setting a new standard in aviation, making air travel welcoming and accessible for all families.
Planning to travel without the kids soon? Click here for tips on how to enjoy a stress-free trip!
2025-01-16T06:12:09Z