Emirates Expands Travel Rehearsal Programme to Bali to Support Neurodiverse Travelers
Emirates, the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, has extended its “Travel Rehearsal” programme to Denpasar, Bali. This initiative aims to make air travel more comfortable and predictable for individuals who have accessible travel needs, especially those with autism.
The Travel Rehearsal programme began in Dubai in 2024 with 30 families. It provides a guided simulation of the entire travel journey to help neurodiverse passengers become familiar with airport processes. Since its launch, Emirates has brought the programme to several cities including Barcelona, Brisbane, Manila, Madrid, Toronto, and now Denpasar.
On 18 February, 17 participants took part at Denpasar International Airport. The group included eight children with autism and their guardians, such as teachers and parents. The session guided them through different steps like arrival at the drop zone, check-in, security, immigration, boarding, seating, inflight experience, disembarkation, baggage claim, customs, and the pick-up area. Experiencing these stages before actual travel helps reduce anxiety linked to the busy and sensory-rich airport environment.
Majid Al Falasi, Emirates’ Country Manager for Indonesia, stated that becoming the first Autism Certified Airline shows Emirates’ commitment to accessible travel. He thanked local partners including airport services, immigration, customs, and quarantine authorities for supporting the initiative. Al Falasi added that the programme highlights Bali’s importance as a global destination and reinforces Emirates’ role in promoting inclusive travel worldwide.
Emirates has also trained over 30,000 cabin crew and ground staff to better understand autism, sensory sensitivities, and how to provide appropriate support. Beyond airports, the airline promotes neurodiversity awareness through its inflight entertainment system, ice. Passengers can access films, documentaries, podcasts, and TV shows that encourage inclusion and understanding.
In April 2025, Emirates released a video showcasing its accessibility journey and the Travel Rehearsal programme’s global rollout. The film presents the emotional experiences of neurodiverse travelers and shows how preparation and trained staff can improve their comfort during air travel.
By expanding this programme, Emirates continues to make progress in creating a more inclusive environment for travelers with special needs across its global network.
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