Over the last decade, the aviation industry has made major strides in improving accessibility for passengers with special needs – particularly those with hidden disabilities such as autism.
Air travel can be especially challenging for neurodivergent travellers due to crowded, high-sensory environments, as reflected in a survey by Autism Travel, in which 78 per cent of families admitted they are hesitant to travel or visit new places.
A further 94 per cent of respondents, meanwhile, said they would take more vacations if staff were autism-trained and certified.
The industry appears to be listening.
Airports around the world are introducing sensory rooms and quiet spaces, alongside specialised staff training to better support passengers with non-visible disabilities.
Many airports and airlines, including British Airways and Aer Lingus, also recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme, offering priority access and additional assistance where needed.
Now, ahead of the busy summer season, Virgin Atlantic is taking further steps to support neurodivergent travellers by training all cabin crew on how to assist passengers with autism and their families.
The airline is partnering with Autism Double-Checked, an organisation that helps travel companies become more autism-friendly, with the programme set to be incorporated into Virgin Atlantic’s annual training.
As Virgin Atlantic becomes the latest carrier to introduce specialised autism training, we take a look at eight airlines working to make travel more inclusive.
Many airlines, including Virgin and British Airways, are now training staff to better support passengers with autism, all while recognising the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard scheme (pictured)
British Airways
British Airways was the first UK airline to officially recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, worn by passengers who may need extra support or more time while travelling.
Staff are trained to recognise non-visible disabilities and provide appropriate assistance.
The airline also became the first UK carrier to receive an Autism Friendly Award from the National Autistic Society and offers specialised visual flight guides for autistic passengers, as detailed on its website.
In 2018, British Airways launched its ‘Beyond Accessibility’ campaign – its largest global accessibility training programme – providing customer-facing staff with digital learning tools covering visible and non-visible disabilities, alongside advice on how to support passengers throughout their journey.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic announced all staff will undergo an accredited training programme designed to help understand autism and when a passenger appears to be in distress
In May 2026, Virgin Atlantic introduced an accredited Autism Awareness training programme for all cabin crew in partnership with Autism Double-Checked.
The training includes digital modules on understanding autism, recognising signs of when a passenger is in distress or overwhelmed, adapting communication styles and offering reassurance to passengers and families.
Virgin Atlantic plans to extend the programme to ground staff later this year, as reported by Disability Scoop.
Becky Woodmansee, chief people officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: ‘We know that for autistic customers and their families, flying can be a unique and unfamiliar environment which presents challenges.
‘By listening to our customers and working with autism travel specialists Autism Double-Checked, alongside our own people who have personal experience of autism, we’ve built a training programme that gives every crew member the understanding and confidence to make a real difference onboard.’
Emirates
In April 2025, Emirates became the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, expanding accessibility measures for passengers with autism and sensory sensitivities.
Ground staff and cabin crew now complete focused autism and sensory awareness training covering the autism spectrum, common misconceptions, sensory triggers and personalised support techniques.
On its website, the airline said the programme is an extension of earlier accessibility training completed by 23,000 staff in 2023.
Emirates also introduced digital ‘sensory guides’ to help travellers understand and prepare for sensory experiences throughout Dubai Airport and onboard flights, including lighting, noise and smells.
In 2024, all four Emirates check-in facilities at Dubai International Airport received Certified Autism Center status, while Dubai Airport itself became the first international airport to earn the designation in 2023.
Aer Lingus
As of early 2025, Aer Lingus introduced training to help staff better support passengers with autism, anxiety and ADHD.
The airline partnered with the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support to create visual, step-by-step travel guides for passengers to follow before, during and after a flight, as seen on its website.
Aer Lingus also offers early boarding, additional assistance through its Special Assistance Request Form, and works with airports including Belfast City Airport to host practice airport experiences for families before travelling.
JetBlue
JetBlue hosts ‘Wings for Autism’ events that allow families to trial an airport experience before flying
JetBlue runs its ‘Blue Horizons for Autism’ programme in partnership with The Charles River Center, helping train crew members to support passengers with special needs.
The airline also offers sensory kits and, as with Aer Lingus, hosts ‘Wings for Autism’ practice boarding events, allowing families to experience the airport and boarding process before flying.
LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines has trained more than 10,000 employees through Autism Double-Checked certification programmes focused on supporting passengers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as detailed on its website.
The airline provides specialised travel guides, practical boarding simulations and has implemented the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme, helping position it as a leader in autism-friendly air travel.
Breeze Airways
In 2024, Breeze Airways became the first US commercial airline certified by Autism Double-Checked.
Flight attendants, pilots and customer-facing ground staff receive specialised training on supporting neurodivergent passengers and identifying sensory sensitivities, with 75 per cent of flight attendants currently trained.
As with other carriers, the airline also hosts practice boarding events to help reduce travel anxiety and introduced an ‘Autism Passport’, allowing passengers to share specific needs before flying.
Jet2
Jet2 provides training for cabin crew and customer helpers on supporting passengers with hidden disabilities, including autism.
The airline also offers assisted travel services such as priority boarding and tailored support, which can be arranged in advance to help create a smoother and more comfortable travel experience.
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