Latest news with #SunflowerLanyard
Khaleej Times
22-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
'Just be kind': Parents of children with autism share travel tips amid Dubai Airport initiative
From packing a dedicated kit with sensory toys, an iPad and snacks, to getting the DPNA code – which alerts employees to provide personalised support for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities in advance – families of children with autism have shared key tips for traveling. For Yasmin Carey, planning ahead is everything. 'My top tip is to contact the airline in advance and ask for the DPNA code to be added to your booking — this alerts employees to provide personalised support for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities,' said the mother of Ellis. She also creates a visual travel schedule and chooses flight times that suit her child's routine, referring to the airport website and going through the travel planner for details on the inclusive journey and useful tips. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Yasmin brings along noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, and sunglasses to help Ellis manage sensory overload. 'What might look like a meltdown is often just a way of coping. We're not asking for special treatment — just a little understanding,' she explained. Radio host and dad Hassan Dennaoui, known as 'Big Hass,' also shared his preparation tips by posting a video of his travels with his son, who has autism. The preparation always starts ahead of time. 'I recommend walking children through the entire journey ahead of time, making a countdown, and building excitement together,' he shared. For Hassan, contacting Dubai Airports about the Travel Safari programme allowed his son to conduct travel rehearsals ahead of their actual trip, supporting familiarisation and readiness. On travel day, he emphasised the importance of taking plenty of time and not rushing. He suggested creating a checklist of essentials tailored to the child's specific needs, including favorite foods, comfort items, entertainment devices, backup chargers, and spare clothes. Big Hass also highlighted the value of the Sunflower Lanyard for smoother airport navigation. " People on the autism spectrum have no malice or hate inside them. Once you try to understand autism, you'll understand the hearts of people on the spectrum, and that's the most beautiful thing," he shared. Another parent of a child with autism, Ambreen Suhaib, starts her journey with her child by packing a dedicated kit with sensory toys, an iPad, snacks, noise-cancelling headphones, and a spare change of clothes. 'I recommend picking up the Sunflower Lanyard on arrival — even if your child won't wear it, you can wear it yourself and still receive support,' she advised. As Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a Certified Autism Center, it provides a range of services to make travel more autism-friendly, including the Sunflower Lanyard: a discreet way to signal hidden disabilities that provides access to priority lanes and an autism-friendly route through check-in, passport control, security checkpoints, and boarding. The lanyard is available from information desks in Terminal 3 and from Guest Experience Ambassadors (GXA) in all terminals. Ambreen also suggested checking the airport map in advance, dividing responsibilities if traveling with family, and letting employees know if you prefer to board first or last. She recommended looking for the sunflower sign in queues for immigration and police, which leads to the priority route. 'Autism isn't always visible. You may not see it, but it's there. Stimming — things like rocking, clapping, or making sounds—is how our children self-regulate in overwhelming places like airports. Meltdowns aren't bad behavior — they're signs of distress. Please don't stare. Be kind.'
Hi Dubai
10-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Airports Scales Up Autism-Inclusive Training, Setting Global Benchmark in Accessible Travel
Dubai Airports has significantly expanded its autism-inclusive training programme, now equipping 45,000 employees across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) to better support autistic and sensory-sensitive travellers. This initiative reinforces Dubai's broader vision of becoming a Certified Autism Destination (CAD). DXB holds the distinction of being the world's first international airport to receive the Certified Autism Centre (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), in addition to certification by the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC). The enhanced training programme, which reflects a 36% increase in specialist training year-on-year, forms a key pillar of Dubai Airports' strategy to ensure an inclusive and supportive airport experience. Employees are trained in sensory awareness, effective communication, and anxiety-reduction techniques to create a smoother journey for neurodiverse travellers. 'True inclusion starts with people,' said Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports. 'Our airports are Dubai's gateways to the world. It's our responsibility to ensure every guest feels welcomed, supported, and included.' The IBCCES-accredited training spans a wide airport community, including partners like Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Emirates, flydubai, dnata, and Dubai Taxi Company. Trained Guest Experience Ambassadors, identifiable by Sunflower pins, are stationed at key points across both airports to assist autistic guests and their families. Supporting measures include priority lanes via the Sunflower Lanyard, the DXB Travel Planner for pre-journey preparation, sensory-friendly lounges, and autism-friendly routes throughout the terminals. During Autism Acceptance Month, blue-lit Smart Gates and terminal displays of sunflowers further demonstrate solidarity with the autism community. Dubai Airports continues to set the standard for accessible travel, making inclusivity not just a commitment—but a cornerstone of the travel experience. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Trade Arabia
04-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
DXB set to welcome 3.6m guests over Eid holiday peak
Dubai International (DXB) is bracing for a holiday surge unlike any other, with more than 3.6 million guests in total expected to pass through its terminals during the Eid travel peak from 26 March to 7 April. The busiest day of the period is forecast for Saturday, 5 April, when 309,000 guests are expected. Daily total traffic is set to average 276,000 guests, with the sharpest rise projected in the first week of April. Departures during the Eid week are anticipated to surge by 19% compared to average weekly volumes over the past month, reflecting a significant seasonal uplift. With schools breaking for spring, demand remains strong for key VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets such as India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, alongside a notable rise in leisure travel, including an increase in traffic to Sri Lanka, Türkiye and Italy. To support smooth journeys during this peak period, Dubai Airports is urging guests to use the recently introduced DXB Express Maps, a smart wayfinding tool that provides real-time navigation across all terminals. By scanning a QR code displayed on any flight information screen, guests can locate their gate, browse the full array of dining and retail options, or find nearby facilities with ease. Dubai Airports is also ready with enhanced services for People of Determination (PoD) through clearly marked accessibility routes, discreet support for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyard from trained staff wearing Sunflower pins, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
Filipino Times
27-03-2025
- Filipino Times
Dubai International Airport prepares for Eid travel surge, 3.6M expected
UAE airports are gearing up for a major influx of travelers during the Eid holiday period. Dubai International (DXB) expects to have over 3.6 million passengers between now and April 7. The busiest day is projected to be April 5, when an estimated 309,000 guests will pass through its terminals. Daily passenger numbers are set to average 276,000, with the highest surge expected in the first week of April. Departures during Eid week are predicted to increase by 19% compared to recent weekly averages, reflecting heightened demand for travel during the festive break. Sharjah Airport has also announced full operational readiness to handle the surge in air traffic. The airport is set to receive over 500,000 passengers and operate 3,344 flights between March 27 and April 6, ensuring smooth operations for travelers flying in and out of the emirate. Popular destinations include India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, where many travelers are expected to visit family and friends. Additionally, leisure travel is seeing a notable increase, particularly to Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Italy. To help manage the high volume of passengers, Dubai Airports has introduced DXB Express Maps, a smart navigation tool that provides real-time directions. By scanning a QR code on flight information screens, passengers can easily locate gates, dining options, and other airport facilities. Special services for People of Determination (PoD) have also been enhanced, including designated accessibility routes, discreet assistance for Sunflower Lanyard wearers, and an Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2. Trained staff will be available to offer additional support. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Airport Authority plans to deploy enough workers across all areas, particularly customer service departments. It will also use smart technologies that enable fast and efficient check-in procedures. Airports in the UAE are coordinating with airlines, service providers, and government authorities to ensure a smooth experience for travelers throughout the busy holiday season.
Dubai Eye
27-03-2025
- Dubai Eye
DXB set to welcome 3.6 million passengers over Eid holiday peak
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is preparing for a holiday travel surge like never before, with over 3.6 million passengers expected to pass through its terminals from March 26 to April 7, coinciding with Eid Al Fitr and the spring break for schools. The busiest day is expected to be Saturday, April 5, with 309,000 guests expected. On average, daily traffic will reach 276,000, with the first week of April seeing the sharpest increase. Departures during Eid week are set to rise by 19 per cent compared to the usual weekly volumes over the past month. The surge is driven by strong demand for travel to key destinations like India, Pakistan, and the UK, alongside a rise in leisure travel. Dubai Airports is encouraging travellers to use the new DXB Express Maps, a smart tool for real-time directions across terminals. By scanning a QR code displayed on any flight information screen, guests can locate their gate and access information on dining and retail options, or nearby facilities. Additionally, enhanced services are available for people of determination, including accessible routes, discreet support for those wearing the Sunflower Lanyard, from trained staff wearing Sunflower pins, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.
