Emirates expands global travel rehearsal program to Madagascar | News
Emirates, the world’s first autism-certified airline, has launched its ‘Travel Rehearsal’ program in Madagascar, with the first session taking place at the country’s Ivato International Airport (TNR).
The Travel Rehearsal program allows people with accessible travel needs to experience a guided simulation of the entire air journey, familiarizing them with airport procedures and the onboard environment in advance – reducing anxiety and building confidence before an actual flight. This is the first initiative of its kind to be implemented at Antananarivo Airport, organized by Emirates and supported by airport stakeholders and other partners.
Emirates partnered with Zaz Heureux School, from which ten children with autism and their families experienced the Emirates journey at Ivato International Airport, from check-in to the departure gate. Supported by airport and airline staff, students and their families navigated through check-in, security and the departure lounge. They also experienced immigration, baggage collection and a meet and greet, supported by pre-arranged agents who answered questions from families.
A highlight of the rehearsal was a tour of an Emirates aircraft, with many participants relaxed and fully engaged whilst on board. As part of Emirates’ ‘Accessible Travel for All’ approach, the Travel Rehearsal program aims to make air travel more predictable and comfortable for people with neurodivergence.
Oomar Ramtoola, Emirates’ Manager for the Indian Ocean Islands said: “We are proud to have completed our first travel rehearsal in Madagascar, with the aim of reducing travel anxiety and creating seamless journeys for people with neurodivergence. I would like to thank Emirates’ Airport Services Management and team at Ivato International Airport (TNR) and all our other partners for their continued support and guidance, which made this rehearsal possible. As the world’s first autism-certified airline, We remain committed to accessible travel in Madagascar and across our network, allowing more people to explore the world with ease and confidence.”
Accessible travel for everyone
Emirates became the world’s first autism-certified airline after more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff underwent specialist autism awareness training. The program provides employees with in-depth knowledge of the autism spectrum, common misconceptions, challenges they face while traveling, and personalized support strategies tailored to passengers’ individual needs.
Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have come together to host 40 of these travel rehearsals at airports across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas, in addition to the airline’s Dubai hub.
To date, travel rehearsals have been carried out in collaboration with local organizations, schools and airport teams in cities such as Accra, 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 and Warsaw.
