Emirates, recognised as the world’s first Autism‑Certified Airline, extended its commitment to accessible travel in Istanbul through its “Travel Rehearsal” programme, welcoming autistic children and their families at Istanbul Airport (IGA). The initiative, now being progressively introduced across 17 airports in the airline’s global network, offers travellers with disabilities the chance to familiarise themselves with each stage of the airport and flight experience in a supportive, structured setting.
In line with Emirates’ “Accessible Travel for All” pledge, the Travel Rehearsal programme aims to create a more predictable and reassuring flying experience for individuals on the autism spectrum. By allowing families to explore airport procedures and onboard environments ahead of time, the initiative reduces uncertainty, and anxiety to make them feel better before the trip.
Mehmet Gurkaynak, Emirates Country Manager for Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria, said: “Last year, Emirates became the world’s first Autism‑Certified Airline, underscoring our long‑term commitment to accessible travel. Thanks to the work of the Emirates Autism Centre and our partners at IGA, we are proud to bring this initiative to Istanbul and to play an active role in improving the travel experience for passengers with accessibility needs.”
A Worldwide Push for Inclusive Travel Finds Momentum in Istanbul
During the Istanbul session, participants moved through the complete travel journey from airport transfers and check‑in to passport control, lounge access, and a guided aircraft visit. The experience showcased how an Emirates journey is designed to run smoothly and safely at every stage, while building trust between trained Emirates teams and travellers with disabilities.
Emirates earned its status as the world’s first Autism‑Certified Airline after more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed specialised autism awareness training. The programme equips employees with a deep understanding of the autism spectrum, in order to avoid common misconceptions, and highlights the challenges travellers may face by enabling teams to provide personalised, informed support tailored to each passenger’s needs.
Image Source: Emirates Airbus A380 — Photo by dimaberkut (DepositPhotos)
To date, Emirates has delivered its Travel Rehearsal programme in Dubai, Barcelona, Brussels, Budapest, Christchurch, Durban, Istanbul, Luanda, Madrid, Nice, Oslo, Paris and Venice with additional destinations joining the initiative each month.
As Emirates continues expanding its Travel Rehearsal programme across its global network, the airline reinforces its long‑standing belief that accessibility must be embedded into every stage of the travel experience. The initiative’s success in Istanbul reflects a growing commitment shared by airports, partners, and communities to create journeys that are predictable, empowering, and genuinely inclusive. With each new destination that joins the programme, Emirates moves industry one step closer to a future where every traveller, regardless of ability, can navigate the world with confidence and comfort.