Madagascar Becomes Latest Destination for Emirates Accessibility Initiative

Emirates has expanded its “Travel Rehearsal” programme to Madagascar, conducting its first session at Ivato International Airport.

The initiative is designed to support people with accessible travel requirements by allowing them to experience a guided simulation of the airport and flight journey before travelling.

The session was organised in partnership with Zaz Heureux School, where 10 children with autism and their families participated in a rehearsal at the airport in Antananarivo.

Participants were guided through different stages of the travel process, including check-in, security checks, departure procedures, immigration and baggage collection. Families also had the opportunity to board an Emirates aircraft as part of the programme.

The initiative aims to help neurodivergent travellers become more familiar with airport environments and airline procedures, thereby reducing travel-related anxiety and improving confidence before journeys.

, said the airline remains focused on supporting accessible travel experiences across its international network.

Emirates became the first Autism-Certified Airline after more than 35,000 cabin crew and ground staff completed autism awareness and support training.

Since April 2025, the airline has conducted around 40 Travel Rehearsal sessions at airports across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Americas, including Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney, Toronto and Warsaw.

The programme forms part of Emirates’ broader “Accessible Travel for All” initiative aimed at improving travel experiences for neurodivergent passengers and families.

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