Emirates has just run its first “Travel Rehearsal” at Perth Airport, giving neurodivergent passengers and their families the chance to navigate the airport before a real travel day.
The participants went through each of the airport’s processes, from check-in and security screening to boarding an Emirates flight. They then familiarised themselves with the cabin.
And it all happened without the pressure of being on a real flight.
An Emirates spokesperson says: “As the world’s first autism certified airline, Emirates is committed to making travel more accessible and supporting passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities through practical initiatives like this.
“The initiative marks a significant milestone in the airline’s commitment to making travel more inclusive and less overwhelming.”
The Wallace family, who took part in the Travel Rehearsal, say: “We think it’s really important for kids with neurodiversity to experience what it is going to be like, particularly going on a long-haul flight, like we are next week. I think it’s unbeatable for kids and families.”
Perth Airport chief commercial and aviation officer Kate Holsgrove adds: “Hosting tours at Perth Airport in partnership with Emirates gives families the opportunity to experience the airport environment in a practical and supportive way, helping to reduce travel anxiety and build confidence ahead of their journey.
“Creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all travellers is a priority for us, and we are proud to support a program that delivers such a meaningful benefit to our community.”
HOLISTIC APPROACH
More than 30,000 Emirates cabin crew and ground staff worldwide have completed specialised training to better support customers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
It was a component of Emirates achieving its autism certified airline designation in April 2025.
+ Passengers can also plan their journey using the dedicated Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub on emirates.com.
+ They can expect sensory-friendly products and fidget tools onboard. The airline’s award-winning ICE entertainment system has more than 600 movies with closed captions, and 200 with audio descriptions.
+ At Dubai International Airport, customers can use a dedicated autism friendly route for easy transit.
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