Emirates Airlines, recognized as the first Autism-Certified Airline globally, has initiated its “Travel Rehearsal” program in the United Kingdom, with its inaugural session held at London Stansted Airport (STN).
This innovative program is designed for individuals with specific travel needs, offering a simulated experience of the entire air travel process. Participants are guided through airport protocols and onboard settings, which helps alleviate anxiety and foster confidence prior to their actual flights.
In collaboration with St Elizabeth’s Centre, a special needs school located in Hertfordshire, several students on the autism spectrum, along with their families, engaged in the travel simulation at Stansted. The group was assisted by staff from both the airport and the airline as they navigated through various stages, including check-in, security, and the departure lounge. They also practiced immigration procedures, luggage retrieval, and greeting family members upon arrival.
The Travel Rehearsal program is a component of Emirates’ broader “Accessible Travel for All” initiative, which seeks to enhance the predictability and comfort of air travel for those on the autism spectrum.
Jabr Al-Azeeby, the Divisional Vice President of Emirates in the UK, expressed pride in launching the travel rehearsal program in London. He stated, “As the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, we are thrilled to introduce this initiative in the UK. Our aim is to dismantle some of the unseen obstacles that individuals with neurodivergence encounter while traveling, thereby increasing their confidence and allowing more people to explore the world. We extend our gratitude to the Emirates Airport Services team at Stansted for their invaluable support in making this project a reality, in partnership with our collaborators to promote inclusive air travel.”
Lisa Tooley, Headteacher at St Elizabeth’s Centre, remarked on the challenges airports pose for individuals with disabilities and their families, noting, “Airports can be daunting and stressful for those with accessibility needs. Programs like this are crucial for individuals who might otherwise feel deterred from traveling. We appreciate Emirates and Stansted Airport for facilitating this empowering experience.”
Stephanie Putt, Accessibility Manager at London Stansted Airport, added, “It has been a pleasure working alongside Emirates on this commendable initiative, and we are thankful to St Elizabeth’s school for their tremendous support. This project aims to eliminate travel barriers not only for Emirates passengers but for anyone requiring assisted travel. By gaining insights from this trial in a real airport environment, we can enhance accessibility further and create a smoother, more welcoming experience for all travelers.”
As the first Autism-Certified Airline, Emirates has trained over 35,000 cabin crew and ground personnel in specialized autism awareness. This training provides staff with comprehensive insights into the autism spectrum, common misunderstandings, travel-related challenges, and tailored support strategies to meet the unique needs of passengers.
Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have organized 40 travel rehearsals across various global locations, including cities such as Accra, Athens, Bali, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Mauritius, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Louis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Venice, Vienna, and Warsaw.
