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Emirates Expands Its Accessibility Agenda With New Airport, Cabin And Digital Innovations

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 23, 2026

Emirates has unveiled a new range of accessibility initiatives at AccessAbilities Expo 2026 in Dubai, highlighting its efforts to make air travel more accessible for passengers with disabilities.

Presented at Dubai World Trade Centre from October 19 to 21, the initiatives cover the entire journey, from airport navigation and boarding to inflight entertainment and ground transport. The exhibition was opened by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

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Designing Accessibility Into Every Stage Of Travel

Among the concepts showcased were an aircraft cabin familiarisation experience for passengers with partial or total vision loss, an accessible lounge suite for people with limited mobility and biometric boarding gates designed to improve airport access.

The cabin familiarisation experience combines audio guidance, tactile exploration and staff interaction, allowing passengers to become familiar with their surroundings before flying. Visitors could try the concept in a genuine Emirates A350 seat.

The airline’s Emirates Biometric Path system is already in use at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. Its boarding gates have no physical barriers, while adjustable cameras accommodate passengers using specialised wheelchairs. Emirates has also upgraded self-service check-in kiosks with text-to-speech, Braille and tactile features, headphone connectivity and height-adjustable screens.

Accessible Lounges And Ground Transport

Emirates presented a prototype lounge suite designed for wheelchair users, older travellers and passengers who need additional space or assistance transferring into and out of a seat. The design includes an electrically adjustable armchair with lift, swivel and recline functions, support handles and dedicated wheelchair storage.

Initially intended for first-class lounges, the concept could be extended to other cabin classes in the future.

The airline has also introduced 10 wheelchair-accessible Mercedes V-Class vehicles through its Chauffeur Drive service in Dubai. Modified with lowered floors, easier entry and exit mechanisms and adaptable seating, the vehicles are currently available to eligible first-class and business-class passengers, with broader availability planned.

Support For Autistic Travellers And Passengers With Sensory Needs

Emirates’ Travel Rehearsals programme helps autistic children and young adults, alongside their families and support networks, practise the airport journey before flying. The sessions aim to reduce anxiety and build confidence.

The airline has completed 80 rehearsals across six continents, supporting more than 400 families. More than 35,000 Emirates employees have also received training to support passengers on the autism spectrum.

Additional resources include sensory guides and maps for Dubai International Airport, a travel guide for autistic passengers and support through the Be My Eyes app for people with vision loss. Emirates also offers tactile sensory toys and fidget products across all cabin classes to help some neurodivergent passengers manage sensory input and feel more comfortable during flights.

Digital And Inflight Accessibility

Emirates’ Accessible and Inclusive Travel Hub provides guidance on mobility assistance, visual and hearing impairments, non-visible disabilities and other support needs. It also covers special assistance requests, medical travel, mobility aids, medicines, family travel and arrangements for unaccompanied minors.

The airline’s ice inflight entertainment system offers more than 850 films with closed captions and 200 with audio description. Passengers can also access 12 wellbeing television channels and 31 channels featuring podcasts, meditation and calming sounds.

On its Airbus A350-900 aircraft, Emirates has developed an updated entertainment interface with Thales and organisations supporting people with vision loss. Audio navigation cues, voice announcements and touch and swipe controls help passengers navigate the system more independently.

A Wider Commitment To Inclusive Travel

Emirates says it is developing accessibility measures in stages and working with regulators, airports, specialist organisations and passengers to improve consistency across digital services, call centres, airports and aircraft.

The airline has operated in Cyprus since 1994, serving more than 2.1 million passengers in the market over 32 years. Founded in 1985 with two aircraft, Emirates has grown into the world’s largest international airline.

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Cyprus Tourism Recovers After Difficult Start To 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 26, 2026

Cyprus’ tourism sector is recovering after a sharp decline in arrivals earlier this year, but Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis has warned that the industry remains vulnerable to external shocks. Presenting the department’s €59.4 million budget for 2027, he stressed that continued growth cannot be taken for granted.

Arrivals Recover After A Sharp Early-Year Decline

Tourist arrivals fell by 5.6% in the first nine months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, Koumis said. This marks a significant improvement from the 17.9% decline recorded during the first four months, although the recovery remains incomplete.

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Despite the setback, arrivals between January and September were 4.1% higher than in 2024 and 8.5% above 2023 levels. Koumis said the figures indicated that the sector had entered a recovery phase, but added that more work was needed to restore demand in certain markets.

An Unprecedented Shock For The Industry

Koumis described 2026 as one of the most difficult years for Cyprus’ tourism sector in decades. External developments triggered widespread cancellations and a sharp slowdown in bookings during March and April, with tens of thousands of reservations cancelled and new bookings largely stalling.

“2026 will undoubtedly remain in the history and memory of those working in the sector as a year during which our country’s tourism industry was called upon to face an unprecedented crisis as a result of external factors,” he told lawmakers.

Budget Focuses On Promotion And Development

Around 62% of the proposed 2027 budget will go towards promoting Cyprus and strengthening its tourism offering. Funding will support marketing campaigns, participation in international tourism fairs and incentive schemes designed to stimulate demand and improve the island’s competitiveness in key markets.

Tourism Revenue Remains Below 2025 Levels

Tourism receipts fell by 7% in the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service. However, revenue remained 9.2% above 2024 levels and 13.8% higher than in 2023.

Koumis said the final outcome would depend on performance during the remaining months. If receipts follow a trajectory similar to 2025, he expects the full-year decline to be limited to between 3% and 4%, which he described as “a very satisfactory performance” under the circumstances.

Recovery Does Not Guarantee Future Growth

September recorded what Koumis described as the strongest September on record for tourist arrivals in Cyprus. However, he cautioned against complacency, noting that the disruption earlier in the year demonstrated how quickly external events can affect the sector.

“Success in tourism can never be taken for granted,” he said.

The government aims to ensure that tourism continues to benefit Cyprus’ economy, businesses and local communities in 2027. The proposed budget places particular emphasis on promotion and product development, reflecting a strategy focused on consolidating the recovery while preparing the sector for further uncertainty.