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January 21, 2025 | 12:52 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Dubai-based airline Emirates announced that they have become the world's first Autism Certified Airline (ACA) carrier. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to establish more inclusive travel standards and services for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
As reported on the official Emirates website, this initiative is designed to transform air travel into a more accessible and friendly experience for individuals who require additional support during flights.
Why Inclusion Matters in Air Travel
For many people with autism, international air travel can be a very challenging experience. The overwhelming sensory stimulation from sounds, lights, and crowds often creates discomfort and anxiety.
A survey conducted by AutismTravel.com revealed that 78% of families with autistic members feel apprehensive about traveling or exploring new destinations. Notably, 94% of respondents indicated a greater willingness to travel if destinations offered trained and certified staff to handle their special needs.
By taking the lead in obtaining this certification, Emirates is paving the way for a more inclusive travel experience for everyone, particularly those with autism and sensory sensitivities. This is in line perfectly with Dubai's ambitious goal of becoming the world's most accessible travel hub.
Staff Training and New Services
As part of this certification effort, over 30,000 cabin crew and ground personnel will undergo specialized training programs on autism and sensory awareness.
This training aims to provide staff with a deeper understanding of the autism spectrum, the challenges faced by autistic passengers, and the most effective methods to support them and their families. The training program precedes the rollout of a range of new services designed to simplify air travel for autistic passengers.
One of the new services is the introduction of digital "sensory guides". These guides empower passengers to plan their journeys by selecting environments that cater to their individual needs and preferences. The guides were crafted following a comprehensive evaluation of Dubai International Airport (DXB) facilities and the in-flight experience offered by Emirates.
In addition, Emirates planned to introduce sensory products for flights by 2025, including fidget toys that can help manage self-stimulatory behaviors and reduce stress levels.
Emirates’ Collaborative Effort
Emirates has partnered with key stakeholders including Dubai Airports and Dubai Tourism to cultivate a more inclusive and comfortable travel experience. In April 2024, Emirates secured certification as an autism service center across all check-in facilities at Dubai International Airport, including Terminal 3.
Previously, in December 2023, Dubai Airports became the first international airport to achieve Certified Autism Center status in December 2023. This collaborative effort aims to make Dubai the first Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Through these initiatives, Emirates, Dubai Airports, and their partners demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that air travel is accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they have autism or sensory sensitivities.
With these steps, Emirates is not only opening the doors to air travel for a wider audience but also creating a more inclusive and welcoming future for air travel for all. These initiatives demonstrate that with collaboration and attention to customer needs, travel can be made more comfortable and accessible for all.
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