Emirates enhances travel with upgraded facial recognition, kiosks, and new products

Emirates has upgraded facial recognition tunnels, self-service kiosks, and introduced new services to make travel faster and more accessible. Unveiled at Dubai’s AccessAbilities Expo, the enhancements include adjustable Smart Tunnel cameras at Terminal 3, allowing children, wheelchair users, and passengers with mobility needs to pass through quickly and independently, reflecting the airline’s commitment to convenience and inclusivity for all travelers.

Emirates upgraded self-service kiosks with text-to-speech, braille, headphone jack, and adjustable height. Its Accessible Travel Hub online helps travelers with mobility, sensory, or visual needs plan every step, reducing anxiety and ensuring a smoother, more inclusive journey.

Starting Saturday, November 1, Emirates will offer a new range of sensory products and fidget toys across all cabins and classes. Items include aircraft-shaped tactile stress relievers, fidget tubes, and rubber poppers, designed to help neurodivergent travelers calm and rebalance during flights.

For passengers with severe mobility disabilities, a new business class mattress hood secures the mattress to the seat, preventing movement mid-flight.

Emirates has also upgraded its in-flight entertainment (ICE) system with a more accessible interface for visually impaired travelers. Features include audio-cue navigation, voice metadata feedback, touch and swipe gestures, and easy access to audio-described content.