Emirates has launched its Travel Rehearsal program at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, Colombia. The airline aims to make air travel more predictable, comfortable and accessible for individuals on the autism spectrum by allowing them to become familiar with the processes and environments of the airport before an actual journey.
The initiative contributes to the airline’s efforts to promote accessible travel, and complements El Dorado International Airport’s El Dorado and Accessible program. Guests from the local community were able to experience a guided rehearsal of the passenger journey in a relaxed and supportive environment. Through the familiarization of the airport process before their journey, passengers can build confidence prior to their trips.
Guided Airport Simulation To Help Passengers Prepare
The rehearsal at El Dorado International Airport encompassed the various stages of the journey, from check in, to baggage drop, security screening and boarding. Guests also toured an Emirates aircraft and met with cabin crew, familiarizing themselves with the airport and on board environments before their journey.
The rehearsal also extended into the experience of arrival, as guests went through the baggage reclaim and customs process. Emirates said such rehearsals are designed to allow passengers with accessibility requirements to understand the processes at different stages of their trip. Familiarization with these procedures can be particularly valuable for those who may have challenges in navigating busy environments.
Emirates Expands Autism Awareness and Staff Training
Emirates bills itself as the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, and states that more than 35,000 crew members have undertaken specialized autism awareness training. The training covers the autism spectrum, common misconceptions and challenges that passengers may face when travelling, and ways that support can be provided to address these challenges.
Gianmarco Mazetti, Emirates’ Area Manager for Colombia, said the program allows the participants to experience a supportive setting for the airport journey, and to feel prepared for their trip. He also thanked El Dorado International Airport and Emirates’ airport services team in the organisation of the initiative. Victor Alfredo Sanchez, the airport’s Director of Customer Experience and Service, spoke about related accessibility programs, including the Sunflower Program and El Dorado at Your Own Pace, which helps passengers to become familiar with the processes of the airport before their travel day.
More Than 40 Travel Rehearsals Organised Since April 2025
Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have organised more than 40 Travel Rehearsal sessions, spanning over 250 families at airports around the world. The program has been offered in several airports in regions including Dubai, London, Delhi, Athens, Toronto, Sydney, Singapore-region travel hubs and several other destinations as per the airline, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to expanding accessibility support across its network.
The Colombia initiative adds another region in which the rehearsal experience is being offered to passengers and families in South America. With the collaboration of airport operators and local communities, Emirates aims to provide the travel process familiarization experience for individuals who may need it. The program also recognizes the opportunity that airlines and airports present in supporting accessibility, by building awareness and offering opportunities to experience the procedures in advance.
