Emirates has brought its global Travel Rehearsal program to Lisbon, giving children on the autism spectrum and their families an opportunity to experience the airport journey in advance in a safe and supportive environment. Held at Humberto Delgado Airport, the initiative allows participants to become familiar with key stages of air travel, from check in and security screening to boarding and arrival procedures. The program is part of Emirates’ broader effort to make air travel more accessible and inclusive, particularly for passengers who may experience anxiety or sensory challenges in unfamiliar airport environments.
A Full Airport Journey Designed To Build Confidence
The Lisbon rehearsal was organized in partnership with ANA|VINCI Airports, Associação PARA Projeto de Apoio e Recursos para o Autismo, Menzies Aviation and the Public Security Police (PSP). Participants were guided through the airport journey step by step, including check in, baggage drop, security screening and border control before visiting an Emirates aircraft and meeting members of the cabin crew. The experience continued with the arrivals process, including baggage reclaim and customs, giving families an opportunity to understand the complete travel experience before taking an actual flight.
By allowing children and their families to experience these procedures ahead of time, the program is designed to reduce uncertainty and help participants feel more comfortable with the airport environment. Familiarity with each stage can be particularly valuable for travelers who may find crowded terminals, unfamiliar procedures or changes in routine difficult to manage. Instead of encountering the airport experience for the first time on a real travel day, participating families can prepare themselves in advance and approach future journeys with greater confidence.
Making Air Travel More Accessible For Families
David Quito, Emirates Country Manager for Portugal, said making travel more inclusive begins before passengers board an aircraft, emphasizing that travelers can experience journeys in different ways and may require different forms of support. He highlighted the importance of cooperation with airport and community partners in identifying and reducing barriers that can make air travel more challenging. The Lisbon program reflects that approach by bringing aviation professionals and autism-support organizations together to create a more supportive environment for families preparing to travel.
Patrick Mendes, President of Associação PARA, also emphasized the uncertainty and sensory challenges that airports can present to families traveling with autistic children. According to Mendes, experiencing the journey beforehand in a safe and supportive setting can help reduce that uncertainty while demonstrating that air travel can be accessible. The collaboration therefore goes beyond a single airport activity, supporting the broader goal of encouraging greater inclusion and participation in travel for people with autism and their families.
Emirates Strengthens Its Autism-Friendly Travel Commitment
Emirates has expanded its accessibility efforts through specialized training for its employees. The airline says it became the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, with more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff completing autism awareness training. The program provides employees with knowledge about the autism spectrum, common misconceptions and the challenges passengers may encounter during travel, while also focusing on support strategies that can be adapted to individual passenger needs.
ANA|VINCI Airports is similarly emphasizing accessibility and inclusion across its airport operations. Francisco Pita, Chief Operating Officer of ANA|VINCI Airports, said initiatives such as the Lisbon rehearsal can help reduce anxiety and barriers for passengers with different needs while encouraging stronger cooperation across the aviation community. The initiative also gives airport teams an opportunity to better understand the needs of families and strengthen their ability to provide appropriate assistance during future journeys.
Global Program Has Reached More Than 250 Families
The Lisbon event forms part of a wider Emirates initiative that has been expanding across its international network. Since April 2025, Emirates Airport Services teams have organized more than 40 Travel Rehearsals for over 250 families at airports across Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. The program has been delivered in destinations including Accra, Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, Dubai, Dublin, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Mauritius, Milan, Paris, Rome, Sydney, Toronto, Vienna and several other locations.
By extending the Travel Rehearsal program to Lisbon, Emirates is continuing to position accessibility as an important part of the passenger experience rather than treating it solely as an onboard service. The initiative gives families practical preparation before travel while strengthening cooperation between airlines, airports, security agencies and autism support organizations. As international travel continues to become more focused on inclusive and personalized passenger experiences, Emirates’ Lisbon program demonstrates how advance preparation and coordinated support can help make air travel more comfortable and accessible for a wider range of travelers.
