Dubai: Autism Certified™ with Stress-Free Flights for Asia

Dubai is leading the way in accessible travel as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Middle East. For families with autistic children, air travel can often be one of the most challenging parts of any trip. However, Dubai’s autism-friendly initiatives, including Emirates’ sensory-friendly flights and Dubai International Airport’s inclusive services, are making the journey smoother and stress-free for neurodiverse travelers.

Here’s how Dubai is transforming air travel and airport experiences with groundbreaking autism-friendly services for families traveling from Hong Kong and Asia.

Fly with Confidence on Emirates

As the world’s first to earn the Autism Certified Airline™ title, Emirates has trained over 30,000 of its cabin crew and customer-facing ground staff in autism awareness and support. This training, which educates teams on the key challenges and misconceptions of ASD, equips Emirates’ workforce with essential skills and know-how of the sensory sensitivities of ASD customers.

Beyond a supportive cabin crew and ground staff, families may also utilise dedicated sensory-friendly check-in areas, guided transit processes, and the opportunity to be the first to board the flight.

“To ensure a smooth journey for families, we recommend those travelling from Hong Kong to begin their planning by contacting our local call centre in advance of their flight,” Suhail Amshan, Manager Accessibility and Inclusion at Emirates, told Optism. 

The airline has additionally rolled out a Travel Rehearsal programme, which allows children with ASD to practice the journey through the airport, giving them adequate preparation before their real flight. While this programme is currently only available in 17 cities, among them Dubai, Cebu, and Manila, Emirates has signalled plans to continue expanding destinations in the coming months.

Amshan added that the airline is introducing digital sensory guides and onboard sensory tools to create a calmer and more comfortable journey. On board, Emirates’ trained cabin crew can offer personalised care throughout your flight, providing amenities such as noise-cancelling headphones on First and Business Class, eyeshades, and the option to lower blinds and dim lighting after take-off.

For families in Hong Kong, Emirates’ autism-friendly services make the airline a standout choice for safe, supportive, and stress-free travel. To contact Emirates’ local call centre, call +852 3071 3019 or visit their website for more details.

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.

Why Dubai is Transforming Air Travel for Families with Autism

Dubai’s autism-friendly air travel initiatives, led by Emirates and Dubai Airports, are setting a global standard for inclusive and accessible travel. From sensory-friendly check-in areas and rehearsal programmes to Sunflower Lanyards and quiet lounges, Dubai ensures that the journey is as seamless as the destination.