Emirates expands travel rehearsals for neurodiverse families in Australia - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Emirates is expanding an accessibility programme in Australia that allows neurodiverse passengers and their families to experience the different stages of air travel before taking an actual flight. The airline has organised its first “Travel Rehearsal” events in Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne, with Sydney and Adelaide expected to follow.

The sessions recreate key elements of the passenger journey in a controlled and supportive environment. The aim is to familiarise participants with procedures, surroundings and sensory experiences that can make airports and flights particularly challenging for travellers with autism or other sensory sensitivities.

From check-in to the aircraft cabin

The Perth event offered one of the most comprehensive simulations. Participants went through check-in, passport control and security screening before visiting the airport’s sensory room.

They subsequently boarded a stationary aircraft, where they experienced a safety briefing and were able to familiarise themselves with the cabin environment without the pressure of an actual departure.

The Melbourne session concentrated primarily on departure procedures, allowing families to become accustomed to the first stages of their future journey. Earlier events in Melbourne and Brisbane welcomed a total of 18 participants and their families.

Familiar surroundings can reduce travel anxiety

Dean Cleaver, Emirates Regional Sales Manager, said the programme was intended to make air travel more accessible and credited cooperation between the airline, airports and local community organisations with making the Australian events possible.

Perth Airport also sees advance familiarisation as a way of reducing anxiety. Kate Holsgrove, Chief Commercial & Aviation Officer at Perth Airport, said the tours gave families an opportunity to experience the airport environment in a practical and supportive setting before travelling.

Feedback from participating families similarly highlighted the value of experiencing airport procedures and an aircraft cabin in advance, particularly when preparing children for a long-haul journey.

More than 30,000 employees receive specialised training

The rehearsals form part of a broader Emirates accessibility programme. In April 2025, the carrier became the first airline to receive the Autism Certified Airline designation.

More than 30,000 cabin crew and ground employees worldwide have completed specialised training intended to improve support for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities.

On board, Emirates provides sensory-friendly products and fidget tools. Its ice entertainment system includes more than 600 films with closed captions and around 200 with audio descriptions.

At Dubai International Airport, passengers can also use a dedicated Autism Friendly Route designed to make their journey through the airport more predictable and manageable.

Initiative to reach all five Australian gateways

Emirates currently operates 70 direct flights per week between Dubai and five Australian cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Since December 2025, all five destinations have been served with the airline’s latest-generation aircraft, providing more than 5,000 Premium Economy seats per week between Australia and Dubai.

The Travel Rehearsal programme is now intended to follow the same geographic footprint. After the initial sessions in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, Emirates plans to extend the initiative to Sydney and Adelaide.

The programme adds an accessibility component to Emirates’ long-standing presence in Australia and is designed to make the experience of long-haul air travel more predictable for neurodiverse passengers and their families.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration using material courtesy of Emirates Airlines