Emirates has achieved ‘Certified Autism Centre’ designation for all of its Dubai check in facilities, covering not only airline check-in desks, but also for cruise boarding facilities.

The certification, awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) ensures that all Emirates facilities in Dubai have taken a significant step towards making travel more inclusive and accessible to neurodiverse customers, meeting criteria required for a comfortable and supported travel experience. Emirates chose Autism Awareness Day (April 2) to make the announcement.

READ: Emirates cabin crew complete training on hidden disabilities

As part of the designation, employees at the various facilities underwent specialised training on autism and sensory awareness, to equip them with the understanding and skills to address needs of autistic travellers or those with sensory sensitivities, along with their families. Comprehensive facilities audits were conducted across the locations, measuring all sensory inputs in public areas such as sound levels, lighting, and potential sights and smells to develop sensory guides, empowering travellers to make informed decisions and choose the environment that best suits their needs and preferences.

The airline’s City Check-Ins across the emirate offer a seamless and stress-free pre-airport experience in convenient and easily accessible locations, where passengers can check in for flights up to 24 hours in advance, drop off luggage between four and 24 hours before departure.

Mohammed H. Mattar – Emirates DSVP Airport Services commented: “As a global airline, Emirates is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for everyone. We recognize the challenges customers with autism and sensory sensitivities face in airport environments. That’s why we’ve proactively partnered with Dubai’s DET and IBCCES to certify all our city check-in locations across the UAE”.