The new state-of-the-art terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) welcomed its first passengers, signalling a new era in aviation history for the UAE. In its first seven days of operations, 637 flights will depart and arrive, as 28 airlines begin to transition over to Terminal A, which will be fully operational from November 15th. The new official name, Zayed International Airport, will take effect from February 9th 2024, and coincide with the official opening ceremony of Terminal A.
The new terminal brings a major increase in capacity for Abu Dhabi’s commercial aviation sector, more than doubling the number of passengers with the facilities to process up to 45 million travellers annually. The terminal will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global standing as an aviation hub, capable of handling 79 planes at once and 11,000 passengers per hour. The increase in capacity allows for airlines to boost their presence in Abu Dhabi in response to growing demand.
With leading facilities, including biometric technology to streamline the screening and boarding process, 35,000 square metres of retail and F&B space and 163 outlets for passengers to shop, dine and enjoy, the new terminal will enhance the travel experience for all passengers, end to end, as well as travellers transferring to other destinations.
Flights from other terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport will gradually transition to the new terminal throughout November. Passengers flying before 14 November are urged to check travel information with their respective airlines prior to travelling to or collecting visitors from the airport.
To ensure passengers and visitors arrive at the right terminal, Abu Dhabi Airports has launched a print, digital and broadcast awareness campaign that urges guests to regularly check on www.abudhabiairport.ae for updates on arrivals and departures flying to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport between 1-14 November.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “This is a momentous occasion for Abu Dhabi Airports and the emirate. The official opening of the new terminal today ushers a new era for air travel in Abu Dhabi. I’m grateful for the hard work from my colleagues, and partners across the aviation sector, that has helped us reach this milestone. We look forward to sharing the state-of-the-art facilities, available at this terminal, with the world and welcoming passengers to Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new home.”
