Emirates broadens support for neurodiverse travelers

Insider Spotlight

• Emirates extended its Travel Rehearsal program to Clark International Airport to help neurodiverse children become familiar with the airport journey
• The Clark activity follows a similar initiative in Cebu, reflecting the airline's broader accessibility strategy in the Philippines
• The airline said it has conducted more than 40 travel rehearsals globally since April 2025 after becoming the world's first Autism-Certified Airline
  
  
  

Emirates is widening its focus on accessible air travel in the Philippines as airlines increasingly invest in initiatives aimed at making flying less intimidating for passengers with diverse needs. The carrier's latest effort centers on preparing neurodiverse children and their families for the airport experience before an actual trip.

The Dubai-based airline brought its Travel Rehearsal programme to Clark International Airport, marking its second such activity in the country after Cebu in June. The three-hour session involved 22 students, their parents and guardians, and eight teachers from Hand Prints School of Progressive Education and Beyond Play Learning Center.

Why it matters

Airport environments can be overwhelming for neurodiverse travelers because of unfamiliar sights, sounds and routines. The rehearsal allows participants to experience check-in, immigration, security screening, the departure concourse and simulated boarding in advance, helping reduce uncertainty while giving caregivers a better understanding of the travel process.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with Clark International Airport, customer service teams, border control, the Office for Transportation Security and Emirates' ground handling partner to replicate the end-to-end passenger journey.

The big picture

Emirates said it became the world's first Autism-Certified Airline in 2025 after more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed specialized autism awareness training. Since April 2025, its Airport Services teams have organized more than 40 Travel Rehearsals across airports in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas, in addition to Dubai.

Khalid Al Zarooni

Country manager for the Philippines, Emirates

“Making travel more inclusive starts long before a customer boards a flight. It means recognising that every traveller experiences the airport differently and working with our partners to make travel more accessible. We're pleased to bring the Travel Rehearsal programme to Clark and hope it encourages more families to see travel as something they can enjoy together,” Emirates' country manager for the Philippines Khalid Al Zarooni said in a press statement. 

By the numbers

Emirates has served the Philippines since 1990 and currently operates 32 weekly flights from Manila, Cebu and Clark through its Dubai hub. Through its partnership with Philippine Airlines, customers can connect to 15 domestic destinations beyond the airline's own network. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma