UK Air Travel, More Accessible for Passengers with Special Needs via Emirates

Emirates has completed its Travel Rehearsal program at all eight UK airports served by the airline, marking a major step in its efforts to make air travel more accessible for passengers with additional support needs.

Emirates expands travel rehearsal program. Photo: Emirates

Guided Simulations 

The initiative is designed to help travelers become familiar with the airport and flying experience before their actual journey. Through guided simulations, participants can experience key stages of air travel in a controlled environment, potentially reducing uncertainty and anxiety associated with unfamiliar surroundings.

In the UK, the program has been delivered at London Stansted, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Emirates expands travel rehearsal program. Photo: Emirates

Emirates has worked with special needs schools and Additional Support Needs groups across the country to organize the sessions. More than 90 participants have taken part in the UK program so far.

During each rehearsal, participants are guided through the various stages of an airport journey. These include check-in, security screening and time in the departure lounge. The simulated experience also covers the arrival process, including immigration and passport control, baggage collection and meeting staff in the arrivals area.

Emirates expands travel rehearsal program. Photo: Emirates

The program involves cooperation between Emirates and airport teams at all eight UK gateways, allowing participants to become familiar with the environment and procedures they will encounter when they eventually travel.

Jabr Al-Azeeby, Emirates’ divisional vice president, UK, said the airline was proud to have brought the initiative to every Emirates gateway across the country.

Emirates expands travel rehearsal program. Photo: Emirates

The program forms part of Emirates' wider accessibility efforts. The airline describes itself as the world's first Autism-Certified Airline, with more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff having completed specialized autism awareness training.

The training covers the autism spectrum, common misconceptions, challenges that passengers may experience while traveling and ways employees can provide personalized support.

Over 40 Rehearsals for More than 250 Families 

Emirates has been expanding its Travel Rehearsal program globally. Since April 2025, its Airport Services teams have organized more than 40 rehearsals for over 250 families at airports across its international network.

Locations involved have included Dubai, Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, Cairo, Dublin, Istanbul, Madrid, Milan, Paris, Rome, Sydney, Toronto and Vienna, among many others.

For families and passengers who may find the airport environment challenging, the rehearsals offer an opportunity to understand what to expect before traveling. Familiarity with check-in, security, boarding areas and arrival procedures can make the journey more predictable and potentially give travelers greater confidence.

Emirates said it plans to continue the program across its UK airports and support more passengers with accessibility requirements as they prepare to fly.