Emirates expands global travel rehearsal programme to Madagascar

International

Emirates, the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, has launched its “Travel Rehearsal” programme in Madagascar, hosting its first session in the country’s Ivato International Airport (TNR).

The Travel Rehearsal programme allows people with accessible travel requirements to experience a guided simulation of the complete air travel journey, familiarising them with airport procedures and onboard environments ahead of time – helping reduce anxiety and build confidence before an actual flight. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative conducted at Antananarivo’s airport, organised by Emirates and supported by airport stakeholders in addition to other partners.

Emirates partnered with Zaz Heureux School from where ten children with autism and their families experienced the travel journey with Emirates at the Ivato International Airport, from check-in to the departure gate. Supported by airport and airline staff, the students and their families walked through check-in, security and the departure lounge. They also experienced immigration, luggage pick-up and meet and greet supported by pre‑arranged officers who answered questions from families.

A highlight of the rehearsal was a guided tour of an Emirates’ aircraft with many participants relaxed and fully engaged while seated onboard. As part of Emirates’ “Accessible Travel for All” approach, the Travel Rehearsal programme aims to make air travel more predictable and comfortable for individuals who are neurodivergent.

Oomar Ramtoola, Emirates’ Manager for the Indian Ocean Islands said: “We are proud to have completed our first travel rehearsal in Madagascar, aiming to reduce travel anxiety and create seamless journeys for people with neurodivergence. I would like to thank Emirates’ Airport Services Management and team at Ivato International Airport (TNR) and all our other partners for their ongoing support and guidance, which made this rehearsal possible. As the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, we will continue to champion accessible travel in Madagascar and across our network, empowering more people to explore the world with ease and confidence.”

Accessible Travel for All

Emirates became the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline after more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed specialised autism awareness training. The programme equips employees with in-depth knowledge of the autism spectrum, common misconceptions, challenges faced during travel, and personalised support strategies tailored to individual passenger needs.

Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have come together to arrange 40 of these travel rehearsals across airports in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas in addition to the airline’s Dubai hub.

So far travel rehearsals were conducted in conjunction with local organisations, schools and airport teams in cities such as Accra, Athens, Bali, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Luis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Venice, Vienna, and Warsaw.