Emirates conducts Maldives’ first airport travel rehearsal for children with autism
Emirates, the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, has conducted its first-ever “Travel Rehearsal” programme in the Maldives, at Velana International Airport (MLE).
The Travel Rehearsal programme allows people with accessible travel requirements to experience a guided simulation of the complete air travel journey, familiarising them with airport procedures and onboard environments ahead of time – helping reduce anxiety and build confidence before an actual flight. This is the first-of-its-kind initiative conducted at Male’s airport, organised by Emirates and supported by airport stakeholders in addition to other partners.
Emirates partnered with Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL), and the Inclusive Support Unit of the Aminiya School, Male to bring children with autism and their families to experience the travel journey with Emirates at the Velana International Airport (MLE), from check-in to the departure gate. Supported by airport and airline staff, the students and their families walked through check-in, security and the departure lounge. They also experienced immigration, luggage pick-up and meet and greet supported by pre arranged officers who answered questions from families.
Jaber Mohamed, Emirates’ Country Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives said: “We are proud to bring the Travel Rehearsal initiative to the Maldives, helping to alleviate travel anxiety for people with neurodivergence. We have been conducting this programme across our network to alleviate travel anxiety faced by people with accessibility requirements by providing a safe and supportive simulation of the journey. We appreciate the support and commitment of MACL and the participation of the Aminiya School to make this rehearsal a success. I would also like to recognise the Emirates Airport Services management and team in the Maldives, who have done outstanding work in pioneering this initiative.”
Emirates became the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline after more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed specialised autism awareness training. The programme equips employees with in-depth knowledge of the autism spectrum, common misconceptions, challenges faced during travel, and personalised support strategies tailored to individual passenger needs.
Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have come together to arrange more than 40 of these travel rehearsals across airports in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas in addition to the airline’s Dubai hub.
So far travel rehearsals were conducted in conjunction with local organisations, schools and airport teams in cities such as Accra, Antananarivo, Athens, Bali, Barcelona, Bologna, Brussels, Christchurch, Da Nang, Delhi, Dubai, Dublin, Durban, Düsseldorf, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Guangzhou, Harare, Hong Kong, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Newcastle, Nice, Orlando, Oslo, Paris, Peshawar, Port Luis, Rome, Stansted, Stockholm, Sydney, Toronto, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw, Zambia.
