Emirates Airlines claims to have tens of thousands of employees across its fleet trained to help passengers with disabilities like autism have a pleasant flight experience.
Emirates Airlines also shared that it has instituted new safety measures to further protect its customers when they are in flight.
"People of determination" is how those with autism and other disabilities are referred to in the United Arab Emirates. Some people may find the airport and flight experience overwhelming due to factors such as noise, light, unfamiliarity, or crowding.
Over 24,000 of Emirates' flight attendants and ground staff have received "Introduction to Autism and Hidden Disabilities" training.
The online course covers a variety of themes from the UAE National Policy for People of Determination, such as how to help travellers with concealed disabilities.
Emirates also stated that it intends to help travellers as much as possible by providing a complimentary selection of acceptable seats.
people with disabilities on Emirates flights
Other measures include the opportunity to use a unique "DPNA" code when booking to indicate to the airline that a passenger with special needs will be travelling; the ability to select a special meal; assistance with boarding; and assistance in seating individuals with disabilities next to their companion.
Emirates and Dubai International Airport have also cooperated on a thorough handbook for passengers with hidden disability.
Autism is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people connect, communicate, learn, and behave with others. Symptoms vary greatly in terms of form and severity.
Dubai Airports previously declared that travellers with hidden disabilities such as autism, chronic fatigue, and post-traumatic stress disorder will be able to use expedited check-in, passport control, security, and boarding.
The route will be open to all passengers wearing sunflower lanyards, a worldwide emblem designed to promote awareness of hidden impairments.
Lanyards can be obtained from the departures information desk in Terminal 3, as well as from designated collection points in Terminals 1 and 2. Staff from Emirates and Dubai Airports also wear sunflower pins to identify themselves as specially trained.
Determination is also rewarded with two hours of free parking in all terminals at Dubai International Airport.
Autism affects approximately one in every 100 children, according to the World Health Organisation.
It stated that while features can be noticed in early life, autism is frequently not diagnosed until much later.
Those interested in learning more about Emirates' efforts should contact the airline.
