To mark World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April and support the UN World Autism Awareness campaign, Qatar Airways has partnered with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to offer a programme of activities to employees of the national carrier during the month of April. The activities are designed to increase awareness and deepen the airline’s employees’ understanding of those with autism.

As part of the programme, Qatar Airways will organise a series of seminars conducted by Hamad Medical Corporation doctors, specialists and therapists for employees to highlight techniques to recognise and support passengers with autism. An information kiosk will also be set up at the Qatar Airways Operations Centre to share information and insights with crew members.

Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Human Resources, Ms. Nabeela Fakhri, said: “As part of our long-standing commitment to social responsibility, we are proud to participate in this important global initiative at a local level in Doha. Travelling can be challenging and strenuous for most of us, but it can be particularly daunting for those with autism, as well as for caregivers travelling with them. By raising awareness and sharing expertise about the disorder, we aim to educate our staff and increase our crew’s knowledge in order to effectively offer support to all of our passengers.”

In addition to the activities that will be held at Qatar Airways’ headquarters, Qatar Airways’ crew will visit the Child Development Centre (CDC), a specialised centre in Doha, located at HMC and Katara, to gain a better understanding of the condition. Additionally, a special photo shoot was arranged with Cabin Crew to publish autism-related content across the airline’s popular social media channels to further increase global awareness.

These activities are part of a number of autism-related initiatives Qatar Airways is undertaking, including a partnership with Doha’s Shafallah Centre to help employ young people affected by the disorder. The Shafallah Centre offers comprehensive services and care for individuals with autism and their families.