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Dubai’s commitment to promoting accessible travel and increasing autism awareness was highlighted on April 24th when Emirates facilitated a unique travel experience for 30 families with neurodiverse children at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3. This event allowed the children to undergo a real check-in process and participate in a familiarization flight designed to ease travel-related anxieties and to prepare them for future journeys. The event also provided an opportunity for Emirates to work closely with key partners and gather valuable insights to enhance accessible travel.
The attendees included Her Excellency Hessa BuHumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority of Dubai, and 30 neurodiverse children, aged 8 to 12, from various local centers specializing in autism and developmental disabilities, along with their caregivers. The group, including a child with Angelman Syndrome, experienced a flight complete with boarding, in-flight service, and the typical sounds and activities of an actual flight, thanks to the specially trained staff. The flight, EK2605, simulated the full flying experience, taking off at 11:20 am and landing an hour later.
The children utilized the Autism Friendly Route at the airport, benefiting from priority lanes at check-in, passport control, security, and boarding. This initiative aligns with findings from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), which indicate a significant need for more autism-certified travel options to encourage families with neurodiverse children to travel more frequently.
Emirates, in partnership with IBCCES, is also developing an official Autism-friendly inflight certification to further support neurodiverse travelers, a move that complements Emirates’ recent achievements in achieving the Certified Autism Center
This initiative is part of a broader strategy involving various Dubai government entities, aiming to make travel more inclusive and accessible, thereby supporting Dubai’s vision outlined in the Social Agenda 33, under the theme ‘Family: The Foundation of Our Nation’.
Emirates and its affiliates offer comprehensive support for neurodivergent passengers and People of Determination:
Emirates Employee Training
Over 29,000 cabin crew and ground staff worldwide have completed the ‘Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities’ training since its inception in 2022. This online program encompasses a variety of subjects, including the UAE National Policy for People of Determination, recognizing autism, practical guidance for aiding passengers with hidden disabilities, responding empathetically, and utilizing official support systems at the airport.
Before Travel
Advance Information
To aid passengers with hidden disabilities, Emirates strives to provide detailed information well before travel. This preparation allows families to plan effectively and feel confident about their upcoming journeys. Detailed information and support are available on the Accessible Travel section of Emirates.com, and passengers can also reach out to their local Emirates office for further inquiries.
Free Seat Selection and Bulkhead Seats for Autistic Passengers and Companions
Emirates accommodates passengers with hidden disabilities by offering complimentary selection of appropriate seats, such as bulkhead seats, which are available at the front and middle sections of the aircraft for both autistic passengers and their companions. These can be requested through the local Emirates office.
Booking with ‘DPNA code’ for Additional Support
The DPNA code is a special service request (SSR) in the airline industry for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities. When a hidden disability is declared, this code can be included in bookings made in person, by phone, or through a travel agent, ensuring that the passenger receives consistent support from trained staff throughout their journey.
Autism Friendly Guide to Dubai International Airport
In collaboration with Dubai International Airport, Emirates has developed a detailed pre-travel guide for passengers with hidden disabilities. The Autism Friendly Guide offers a comprehensive walkthrough of the airport experience, from arrival to boarding, with visual aids and information on available services.
Pre-order Meals
Passengers with sensory sensitivities can pre-order special meals, such as gluten-free, bland, vegetarian, diabetic, or kid-friendly options, at least 24 hours in advance via Emirates app. Families traveling with an autistic passenger can make meal requests through their local Emirates office.
Plan Entertainment in Advance on the Emirates App
Using the Emirates app, passengers can pre-select their preferred movies, TV shows, or music playlists prior to their flight. This allows them to sync their selections directly to the in-flight entertainment system, ice, upon boarding, facilitating a smoother and more personalized entertainment experience during their journey.
Arrival at the Airport
Complimentary Parking for 2 Hours
At Dubai International Airport, People of Determination enjoy complimentary parking in all terminals for up to 2 hours. Additionally, taxis for People of Determination can be arranged through Dubai Taxi by calling their toll-free number.
Obtain a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol is recognized worldwide and indicates support for individuals with hidden disabilities. Staff at Emirates and Dubai International Airport wearing Sunflower pins are trained to assist travelers with hidden disabilities. Passengers should inform these staff members about their hidden disabilities and obtain a Sunflower Lanyard. This lanyard, which can be picked up at the information desk in Departures at Terminal 3 and other marked collection points in Terminals 1 and 2, identifies them for assistance throughout their airport experience.
Autism-Friendly Route
The Autism Friendly Route at Dubai International Airport provides a tailored pathway for People of Determination. This route offers access to priority lanes at check-in, passport control, security, and boarding for individuals wearing the Sunflower Lanyard. Staff trained to assist People of Determination, identifiable by their Sunflower pins, offer visible, communicative, and supportive guidance throughout the airport.
Priority Boarding Options
Travelers with hidden disabilities who have notified Emirates staff of their needs have the option to board the aircraft either first or last, according to their preference, ensuring a convenient boarding process.
Emirates Inflight Experience
Family Seating Accommodations
Emirates is dedicated to ensuring that families with children are seated together. Additionally, passengers with hidden disabilities are assured seating next to their companions or guardians for enhanced comfort and safety.
Noise-Canceling Headphones
To cater to passengers with sensitive hearing, Emirates provides noise-canceling headphones in First and Business Class. These headphones are designed to minimize ambient cabin noise, ensuring a more serene travel experience.
Accommodating Light Sensitivity
Emirates cabin crew are prepared to assist passengers sensitive to light. Upon notification, they can switch off individual lights, close window blinds post-takeoff, and notify when cabin lights will be dimmed following meal service.
Fly with Me Magazine: Entertainment for Young Travelers
For young travelers needing a break from screens, Emirates offers the ‘Fly with Me’ activity pack. This includes non-toxic coloring pencils and activities such as world maps, puzzles, drawing tutorials, and educational content about Dubai and environmental conservation.
Ice: A Premier Inflight Entertainment System
Passengers can enjoy a vast selection of entertainment on Emirates’ ice system, featuring over 6,500 channels, including 1,900 movies, 1,500 hours of TV, and a variety of music, podcasts, and audiobooks in 40 languages. The system also includes up to 100 video games, with multiplayer options available for interactive play across seats.
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