Emirates Becomes World’s First Autism Certified Airline, Making Air Travel More Inclusive
Emirates is about to make air travel a lot easier for autistic passengers and their families. The Dubai-based airline is set to become the world’s first Autism Certified Airline after training more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff.
Meenu Rapria 
The training, developed by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), is designed to help airline staff better understand autism and provide the right support throughout a traveler’s journey. According to IBCCES president Meredith Tekin, achieving this certification is no small feat—it requires ongoing commitment, periodic renewal, and a focus on real, impactful changes.
Over the next few months, Emirates will also roll out new autism-friendly services. In-flight, passengers can expect access to neurodiverse sensory tools, like fidget toys, to help with anxiety. On the ground, the airline will introduce a sensory guide, giving travelers a heads-up on what to expect in terms of noise levels, lighting, smells, and other sensory experiences.
For autistic travelers, flying can be overwhelming. Crowded airports, long security lines, loud announcements, and bright lights can trigger sensory overload, sometimes leading to meltdowns. Zoe Gross, director of advocacy at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, explains that in these moments, an autistic person may temporarily lose control of their body, making an already stressful situation even harder to navigate.
By taking these steps, Emirates is working to make air travel more inclusive, helping autistic passengers and their families feel more comfortable and supported every step of the way.
