Emirates brings its global travel rehearsal program to the Maldives | News
Emirates, the world’s first autism-certified airline, has conducted its first-ever ‘Travel Rehearsal’ program in the Maldives at Velana International Airport (MLE).
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 Male Airport, organized by Emirates and supported by airport stakeholders and other partners.
Emirates partnered with Maldives Airport Company Limited (MACL) and the Inclusive Support Unit at Aminiya School, Male to enable children with autism and their families to experience Emirates travel at Velana International Airport (MLE), 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.
Jaber Mohamed, Emirates Country Manager – Sri Lanka & Maldives said: “We are proud to bring the Travel Rehearsal initiative to the Maldives to help alleviate travel anxiety for people with neurodivergence. We have implemented this program across our network to alleviate the 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 acknowledge the management and team of Emirates Airport Services in the Maldives who have done an excellent job in pioneering this initiative.”
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 more than 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 conducted in collaboration with local organizations, 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.
