Dubai Flights: Emirates Would Offer Pre-travel Rehearsal For People With Different Needs

They were possibly used by some other airlines' official autism-friendly in-flight certification in the works.

All those families who are traveling through the Dubai airport with people of determination may soon experience smoother journeys. They may have the opportunity to participate in a pre-travel rehearsal program designed to support customers with autism and sensory disorders. The main initiative by Emirates is to assist people of determination and their families in preparing for travel by providing guided tours of the airport and aircraft cabin environments.

Recently, the airline extended Dubai's dedication to inclusive travel and autism awareness by welcoming 30 UAE families with neurodiverse children to experience an actual check-in process and a trial flight on 24 April at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport.

This experience would help gain insights and notes on the in-flight experience for neurodiverse customers. Emirates and the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards are working as a team to develop an official autism-friendly in-flight certification that other airlines could eventually use.

The Drill

Hessa BuHumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority of Dubai, was welcomed by the emirates along with 30 children between the ages of 8 and 12 from various neurodiverse centers, including the Dubai Autism Centre, safe Centre for Autism, Rashid Centre for People of Determination and the New England Centre Children Clinic with their caregivers. In addition to this, the Dubai-based airline extended an invitation to a neurodivergent child with Angelman Syndrome to take part in the event.

Angelman Syndrome is a condition characterized by delayed development of speech and balance difficulties, intellectual disability, and seizures. They used the autism-friendly route through Dubai International Airport, which includes access to priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security, and boarding. Specially trained Emirates check-in staff and cabin crew were also available to assist throughout the journey. EK2605 took off from DXB at 11.20 am and touched down again at 12:20 pm, offering children genuine flight experiences complete with in-flight service announcements from the cabin crew and Captain and the authentic sights and sounds of take-off and landing.

Why do some families with special requirements need people to travel less?

As per the research conducted by the IBCCES, only 13 percent of the families suffering from neurodiverse children surveyed opt for family vacations, citing the airport and flight experience as too stressful and triggering for their children's sensory sensitivities. However, 93 percent of surveyed families expressed willingness to start on more trips with additional autism-certified options and support available. Apart from helping families with people's determination in preparing for travel with their guided tours, the airline will also give comprehensive training on neurodiversity to all Emirates team members. Additionally, the airline's initiatives are in the pipeline to enhance support for neurodiverse individuals and adhere to Dubai's dedication to People of Determination.

Facilities for Passengers

At the same time, the existing families will receive two hours of complimentary parking at all terminals at Dubai International Airport. All passengers can collect the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard. This is a globally realized symbol of hidden disabilities. Dubai International Airport staff with pins are identifiable and trained to assist travelers with hidden disabilities.

Apart from this, the autism-friendly Route through Dubai International Airport ensures that the People of Determination journey through the airport is done on a dedicated route. It consists of priority lanes for check-in, passport control, security, and boarding access and can be availed when wearing the sunflower lanyard. As part of the in-flight experience, passengers with an aural sensory need in First and Business Class will also have access to noise-canceling headphones to block out ambient cabin sounds.


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