Emirates conducts "travel rehearsal" program for children with autism in the Maldives
In collaboration with MACL and Aminiya School, this program provided a practical walkthrough of the entire airport journey, from check-in to baggage collection. Conducted by Emirates—the world’s first "Autism-Certified" airline—the initiative aims to reduce travel-related anxiety for neurodivergent individuals and foster a more inclusive, accessible environment. This experience offered children with special needs and their families a valuable opportunity to familiarize themselves with the airport atmosphere.
The airside of Velana International Airport. | Velana Airport
Emirates Airline has conducted its first-ever "Travel Rehearsal" program in the Maldives. Held at Velana International Airport, the initiative was designed to provide children with autism and their families with a practical walkthrough of the air travel process, aiming to alleviate travel anxiety and build confidence.
The program, conducted by Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) in collaboration with Aminiya School’s Inclusive Support Unit, aims to familiarize individuals with special needs with the airport environment and processes, allowing them to experience the journey before their actual travel.
Participants of the program were given a practical walkthrough of key travel stages, including check-in procedures, security screening, departure formalities, immigration, baggage collection, and arrival services.
Emirates stated that the initiative, conducted with the assistance of airline and airport staff, provided families the opportunity to seek information and familiarize themselves with the airport environment. The airline further noted that this significantly helped alleviate the anxieties associated with travel.
As the world's first "Autism-Certified" airline, Emirates organized this initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to establishing an inclusive and accessible travel system for everyone.
The "Travel Rehearsal" program aims to provide neurodivergent individuals with the opportunity to experience every stage of the airport process within a safe and supportive environment.
Emirates' Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Jaber Mohamed, stated that the airline takes great pride in introducing the "Travel Rehearsal" project to the Maldives, aimed at reducing travel-related anxiety for neurodivergent individuals. He further noted that this program is part of a broader initiative across the Emirates network to provide passengers with special needs the opportunity to experience the travel process within a safe and supportive environment.
