Dubai Airports: Land and Take-off with Ease
Dubai International Airport (DXB) became the world’s first airport to earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation in 2023. It is also recognised by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC) as Autism-Certified, making it a benchmark for inclusive airport experiences. To further strengthen its commitment to accessibility, Dubai Airports has expanded its hidden disability and autism-inclusive training programme to upskill 45,000 employees across both DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).
Features at Dubai Airports designed to support neurodiverse travelers include the DXB Travel Planner, an online visual guide that helps individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families prepare for their journey in advance. This step-by-step guide makes navigating the airport easier and reduces the stress of unfamiliar environments.
The Sunflower Lanyard, available for free at designated counters in all terminals, acts as a discreet identifier for individuals with hidden disabilities. Families traveling with autistic children can use the lanyard to access priority lanes and an autism-friendly route through the airport, simplifying the process across check-in, passport control, security checkpoints, and boarding.
To further support families prior to their flight, Dubai Airports offers access to the Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2. This quiet and sensory-friendly space provides a calm environment for families to decompress away from the noise and busyness of the terminals. Broader accessibility features include complimentary two-hour parking and wheelchair services, ensuring convenience for all travelers.
For families looking to locate the Assisted Travel Lounge or other services, the airport map is available online to help plan your journey.