A survey on AutismTravel.com has revealed that some 78% of people with autism are hesitant to travel or visit new locations.
For many such people, planning and predictability are critical, and an airport represents a world of unknown processes and stimuli.
This is why one leading airline has now arranged what it calls “bespoke Travel Rehearsals” across more than 40 cities globally over the past year.
The aim is to familiarise individuals who have accessible travel requirements with airport and aircraft procedures ahead of travel.
We’ve supported more than 250 families across 6 continents, with ‘Emirates Travel Rehearsals’ for children and young people with autism.
— Emirates (@emirates) April 20, 2026
To reduce travel anxiety and practice for a real trip – these are guided, real-world experience of every step of the airport process,… pic.twitter.com/xnYfU9Wfol
Emirates says this shows its “continued commitment to making travel more accessible for all.”
With more than 250 families already positively impacted, the scheme is designed to support children and young adults with autism, allowing them to practise the journey through the airport to prepare for real flights, easing travel anxiety and empowering them to fly with more confidence.
After the initial travel rehearsals in Dubai resulted in positive feedback from families, schools and autism organisations, the airline’s Office of Accessibility & Inclusion developed the travel rehearsal into an official programme to be rolled out across its global network.
Since April 2025, its Airport Services teams have come together to arrange more than 40 of these travel rehearsals across airports, including Accra, Athens, Bali, Barcelona, Brussels, Cairo, Dublin, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Paris, Sydney, Toronto, Venice and Vienna.
The latest to join the scheme is Brussels Airport at an event that took place on World Autism Day.
For the launch, held in conjunction with Centrum kLIM, five children with autism, along with their families and escorts, were hosted for the day on a full walkthrough of Brussels Airport, from check-in and immigration to security, duty-free shopping and through to the gate.
The session then followed the arrival process, visiting baggage reclaim and customs.
Jean-Pierre Martin, Emirates’ Country Manager in Belgium, said: “As the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, we are committed to breaking down invisible barriers that may prevent neurodiverse passengers from exploring the world.
“This global programme brings together key stakeholders from across the journey with a common vision, empowering participants with confidence and independence.”
Sylvie Van den Eynde, Chief Passenger Officer at Brussels Airport, added: “We want every traveller to feel comfortable when they pass through our airport. That also means giving extra time and support to passengers who need it.
“Through initiatives like this travel rehearsal and our participation in the Sunflower programme, including the use of the sunflower lanyard, we ensure that passengers with invisible disabilities are recognised and respectfully assisted by our airport staff. Inclusive travel is not an exception for us. It’s an integral part of how we welcome people at the airport.”
More than 35,000 staff have been trained to support customers with autism and can help facilitate travel and travel rehearsals.
The airline’s teams work closely with airport authorities and partners to make sure each rehearsal is a supportive and successful experience for families.
Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President, Emirates Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, told this site: “The Emirates Travel Rehearsal programme has been a resounding success across six continents, with impressive collaboration and drive shown by all stakeholders, from our own Emirates teams to our airport partners, and the parents and teachers who trusted us to support their children.
“We will continue to amplify this success with more locations, more teams involved, and more families positively impacted and empowered to fly with confidence.”
What is a Travel Rehearsal?
As the world’s first autism-certified airline, Emirates says it is aware that for many families, international air travel is a highly challenging experience, or something to be avoided completely due to the high level of sensory stimuli involved.
The Travel Rehearsal initiative is a purposeful community collaboration and learning exercise arranged by the airline, with the support of international airport teams, border control and security teams, and schools and autism centres around the world.
The travel rehearsals empower neurodivergent people to participate in a real-time journey through the airport, practising the actions of checking in, dropping baggage, going through immigration and security, and experiencing the hustle and bustle of retail and dining areas.
While familiarising themselves with the airport, participants are also issued mock boarding passes and given the chance to meet the many uniformed staff encountered along the way. In some airports, Emirates’ teams have also arranged access to real aircraft for children and young adults.
