Dubai-based carrier Emirates said Wednesday it has extended its “Travel Rehearsal” programme to Istanbul, allowing autistic children and their families to experience the airport and flight process in a structured environment aimed at easing travel-related anxiety.

The airline stated that the initiative was implemented at Istanbul Airport (IGA) and is part of a gradual rollout across 17 airports in its global network. The programme is intended to assist passengers on the autism spectrum by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of each stage of the journey prior to their actual flight.

Emirates described the initiative as part of its broader “Accessible Travel for All” strategy. During the Istanbul event, participants moved through the full passenger journey—from airport transfers and check-in to passport control, lounge access, and a guided aircraft tour—in what the airline said was a supportive and controlled setting.

Mehmet Gurkaynak, Emirates’ country manager for Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria, said the airline’s certification last year as the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline reflected a long-term commitment to accessible travel. “Through the efforts of Emirates’ Autism Centre and our partners at IGA, we’re proud to have brought this initiative to Istanbul and play an active role in enhancing the travel experience for people with accessible travel requirements,” he said.

The carrier said more than 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff have completed specialised autism awareness training, covering the autism spectrum, potential travel-related challenges, and personalised support strategies.

Emirates has previously staged similar rehearsal programmes in cities including Dubai, Barcelona, Brussels, Budapest, Christchurch, Durban, Luanda, Madrid, Nice, Oslo, Paris, and Venice. The airline expects additional destinations to join the initiative in the coming months.

Airlines and airports globally have faced increasing calls to improve accessibility for passengers with disabilities, particularly those with non-visible conditions such as autism, where unfamiliar environments and sensory stimuli can heighten stress. Programmes such as travel rehearsals are intended to make procedures more predictable and reduce uncertainty for families planning trips.

Emirates, founded in 1985, operates flights to more than 150 destinations across six continents and maintains one of the world’s largest fleets of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft, alongside newly introduced Airbus A350 jets.

The airline did not provide details on whether the rehearsal programme would become available on a routine basis in Istanbul, but it said more airports in its network were committing to the initiative, signaling a continued expansion of its accessibility-focused services.

Source: Emirates Press Release