Becoming an IBCCES Certified Autism Center™ airport creates a welcoming environment that benefits everyone who travels through the location. When staff receive specialized training in understanding autism and sensory sensitivities, they gain the confidence and tools to help passengers who might feel overwhelmed by busy terminals, security checkpoints, or unexpected delays. This proactive approach not only makes travel less stressful for neurodiverse families but also reduces complaints and creates smoother operations throughout the airport.

Families with autistic members actively search for certified airports and become incredibly loyal, to the point of choosing certified airports even when more direct routes are available, simply because they know their needs will be understood. The certification also strengthens connections with airline partners and positions certified airports as compassionate, forward-thinking leaders in accessible travel. Additionally, the skills your team develops, like customer communication, awareness of sensory needs, and descalation techniques, make the experience better for all travelers, from elderly passengers to families with young children.

Family at an airport

Benefits of Certification

Increased Operational Efficiency
  • Standardized Responses & Procedures: IBCCES training provides airport staff with clear protocols for assisting neurodiverse travelers, improving response times during high-pressure situations.
  • Reduced Service Recovery Costs: Certification helps staff identify and mitigate sensory challenges in airports, lowering costs associated with service failures and complaint resolutions.
  • Empowered Front Line Staff: Trained personnel, including security and customer service representatives, can resolve issues independently, enhancing job satisfaction and performance while reducing the need for management intervention.
  • Optimized Resource Allocation: The IBCCES audit identifies opportunities to improve the passenger experience using existing resources with minimal investment.
Drive Passenger Growth & Loyalty
Serving a Lucrative Market

  • Market Size: Globally, 1 in 100 children has autism spectrum disorder. This translates to millions of families worldwide who require accessible air travel options. When extended family, support persons, and companions are included, this market segment represents considerable revenue potential.
  • Meeting Unmet Travel Demand: According to IBCCES surveys of families with autistic members, 80% of families with autistic members would travel more if autism-certified airports were available, as they often avoid air travel due to sensory overload and a lack of understanding from staff.
  • Route Selection and Connecting Traffic: Neurodiverse families prefer certified airports, even if less convenient, which may lead to increased airline traffic during off-peak times when they seek more space.
  • Exceptional Loyalty: Positive experiences create strong emotional connections to certified airports, turning families into advocates for these facilities.
  • Word-of-Mouth Amplification: The close-knit autism and neurodiversity community shares positive experiences through social media and support groups, enhancing credibility beyond traditional advertising.
  • Broad Market Appeal: While certification targets autistic travelers and their families, the benefits extend to those with PTSD, anxiety, sensory processing differences, and families with young children, improving the overall experience for all passengers.
Build Long-Term Value with Certification
  • Enhanced Brand Reputation and Differentiation: Certification as a Certified Autism Center™ distinguishes airports, showcasing a commitment to inclusive travel and garnering positive media coverage and recognition.
  • Competitive Recruitment and Retention: Certification attracts socially responsible employees, reducing recruitment costs and turnover while enhancing employee pride and performance.
  • Industry Leadership Position: Certified airports become accessibility leaders, opening doors for speaking engagements, partnerships, and recognition, positively impacting community relations and reputation.

Did You Know?

Autism Diagnosis Rates: 1 in 100 United States: 1 in 31 United Arab Emirates: 1 in 89 Qatar: 1 in 89 Saudi Arabia: 1 in 33 China: 1 in 100 UK: 1 in 57 South Korea: 1 in 38

1 in 100 children are diagnosed with autism in the world.

millions of adults
Millions of adults are autistic but were never formally diagnosed

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1 in 6 people have a sensory need or sensitivity

43% of families surveyed travel by air at least once a year.

80% of the families surveyed said that information on sensory-friendly airports and airlines would help them.

96% of the families surveyed said that it is important for staff to be knowledgeable and well-trained.

Training & Certification Process

An illustration of an arabic family at the airport
Comprehensive Staff Training
  • Understanding autism and sensory sensitivities
  • Effective communication strategies
  • Creating inclusive environments
  • Basic safety
Onsite Review
  • Review of the full 360-degree traveler experience before and during the visit
  • Sensory guides created by IBCCES for all stimulating or interactive areas to empower visitors to plan for their experience, understand sensory impacts, and feel comfortable
  • Comprehensive report that highlights recommendations to better serve travelers with sensory needs, autism, or other related needs
  • Recommendations or changes can typically be implemented over time
Promotion & Ongoing Support
  • Certification announcement for press and social media
  • AutismTravel.com listing and Autism Adventure Guide directory listing
  • Presence on the IBCCES Accessibility App™
  • Additional support by the IBCCES team for the lifetime of the certification

As covered on:

AT Media Logos

  • DBX Dubai Airport

    Employees across all DXB service providers have benefited from bespoke training and awareness programmes…This has enhanced their knowledge and understanding of both visible and non-visible disabilities, empowering them to provide more effective and empathetic service and support.

Find Out More About Becoming A Certified Autism Center™

Fill out the form below to connect with a Certification Advisor for more information. An advisor will be in contact with you via phone as soon as possible.