Emirates unveils new services for accessible and inclusive travel
At the seventh edition of AccessAbilities Expo, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates unveiled a full range of new services, products and solutions designed to enhance the travel experience for people with disabilities and make flying safer, more inclusive and more comfortable for all.
New "Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub"
The new Accessible & Inclusive Travel Hub, available on emirates.com, is a digital hub dedicated to passengers with different accessibility needs. The portal offers complete and customizable information to plan the trip according to types of disability, stages of the trip or specific needs. Sections include:
- assistance with mobility, low vision and hidden disabilities;
- guides dedicated to the phases of the trip (before the flight, in Dubai, on board, in connection and on arrival);
- useful tools such as the guide for autistic Travellers, the DXB airport sensory map, the Be My Eyes support app, the FREMEC medical card and the Sanad tourist card to access assistance services in Dubai.
Sensory products and comfort on board
From 1 November 2025, Emirates will introduce a range of sensory products and stress-relieving toys for customers of all ages on board: an aircraft-shaped tactile stress reliever, two stress cubes and a rubber popper with the Emirates logo. These items, designed to offer controlled stimulation to neurodiverse minds, will be available in all travel classes.
In Business Class, a new integrated mattress topper also makes its debut, designed to improve the comfort and safety of customers with mobility impairments. Approved as a safety exception for take-off and landing, the new hooded mattress in Business Class allows customers with severe mobility disabilities not to move mid-flight.
Improved accessibility of in-flight entertainment
The ice system now offers over 600 subtitled films and 200 films with audio description. The headphones are compatible with hearing aids, while the interface of the new Airbus A350-900, developed with Thales, ensures simplified navigation for blind or visually impaired passengers, with voice feedback, audio cues and touch controls.
Ground accessibility and mobility in Dubai
Inside Terminal 3 at Dubai Airport, Emirates has introduced a barrier-free smart aisle, equipped with biometric sensors that can be adjusted in height and angle, to facilitate the movement of passengers in wheelchairs.
The self-service kiosks have been updated with text-to-speech, touch controls, Braille functions and audio jacks for passengers with reduced mobility or low vision.
A new accessible Chauffeur Drive vehicle was also presented, a Mercedes V250 equipped with a lift and electric wheelchair ramp. The model will be the first of a fleet of 10 vehicles planned for early 2026.
Innovation and research for inclusive travel
Emirates' innovation team is developing new solutions in collaboration with Airbus, including a system of tactile QR codes and audio descriptions to allow blind passengers to find their way around on board independently.
Global commitment to accessibility
In March 2025, Emirates became the world's first airline certified for autism. More than 35,000 employees have been trained to assist autistic passengers , and the "Travel Rehearsal" initiative, which operates in 17 countries, allows passengers to familiarize themselves with the airport experience before traveling.
With the creation of an Office for Accessibility and Inclusion, Emirates is promoting a culture of travel based on dignity, innovation and universal accessibility, committing to setting new global standards for inclusive aviation.
