Emirates has helped more than 250 families globally through its Travel Rehearsal programme over the past year, with Christchurch among more than 40 cities to host the initiative for children and young adults with autism.

The programme is designed to support neurodivergent travellers by allowing them to practise the journey through the airport, easing anxiety and building confidence ahead of real flights.

Since April 2025, Emirates’ Airport Services teams have arranged more than 40 travel rehearsals at airports including Christchurch, Sydney, London, Dubai, Paris and Hong Kong.

A teacher from Pītau-Allenvale School in Christchurch said the experience had been one of the best she had attended in more than two decades of teaching students with specialist needs.

“Wow what an experience you provided our students on Friday. As a teacher of students with specialist needs for over 20 years this was one of the best things I have attended,” she said.

“Everyone commented on the care and attention from the whole Emirates team and the ground crew at Christchurch airport. We now have families who feel confident to give travel a go! Emirates aircraft model now has a new home, at the school reception.”

More than 35,000 Emirates staff have been trained to support customers with autism and help facilitate the travel rehearsals. Airport authorities and partners work closely with Emirates teams to make sure each rehearsal is a supportive experience for families.

Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services Outstation & Business Support, Sami Aqil Abdullah, said the programme had been a resounding success across six continents.

“Impressive collaboration and drive has been shown by all stakeholders, from our own Emirates teams to our airport partners, and the parents and teachers who trusted us to support their children,” he said.

“We will continue to amplify this success with more locations, more teams involved, and more families positively impacted and empowered to fly with confidence.”

Emirates is the world’s first autism certified airline. A survey on AutismTravel.com found 78 percent of families are hesitant to travel or visit new locations due to the level of sensory stimuli involved.

During a travel rehearsal, participants practise checking in, dropping baggage, going through immigration and security, and experiencing retail and dining areas. They are also issued mock boarding passes and meet uniformed staff along the way, with some airports arranging access to real aircraft.

Emirates will continue to run Travel Rehearsals across its global network throughout 2026, inviting more schools and centres to participate.