The new terminal is set to enhance travel experiences through cutting-edge facilities for passengers and airlines in the region.
GLOStarting on November 1st, Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport will commence operations, significantly increasing passenger capacity in Abu Dhabi and solidifying the emirate’s status as a global aviation hub. Etihad’s ceremonial flight is scheduled for October 31st, with the terminal opening to the public on November 1st. The new terminal is set to enhance travel experiences through cutting-edge facilities for passengers and airlines in the region.
The transition of airlines to Terminal A will occur in three phases over a two-week period. Following Etihad’s ceremonial flight on October 31st, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines will operate from the new terminal starting November 1st. From November 9th, Etihad Airways will run 16 daily flights, and their complete transition to Terminal A, along with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and 10 other airlines, is slated for November 14th. As of November 14th, all 28 airlines will be fully operational from Terminal A.
In preparation for the November opening, operational readiness trials will conclude on October 17th. These trials involved over 11,000 volunteers selected from the Abu Dhabi community, including Abu Dhabi Airports staff, students, families, and aviation stakeholders. The simulations thoroughly tested end-to-end passenger journeys, covering various operational areas like check-in, baggage, security screening, immigration, and boarding. Successfully completing these trials is a significant milestone in ensuring Terminal A is ready for the public opening in November.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed pride in the readiness of Terminal A and noted its potential to enhance the aviation sector’s growth in Abu Dhabi and attract more businesses and tourists to the emirate.
When fully operational, Terminal A will feature an extensive shopping area covering 35,000 square meters, with 163 retail outlets and dining options to offer a diverse shopping and dining experience. The terminal will prioritize the passenger experience, incorporating nine biometric airport touchpoints, which will be a world-first. These biometric solutions will be implemented in key areas such as self-service bag drops, immigration eGates, and boarding gates. Terminal A also boasts high-tech facilities, including an advanced baggage handling system capable of processing up to 19,200 bags per hour, providing a seamless passenger journey.
The terminal’s X-shaped design enhances operational efficiency and passenger flow, featuring four themed piers inspired by Abu Dhabi’s natural landscapes. Additionally, Terminal A incorporates eco-friendly features, such as a 45% reduction in water consumption and over 7,500 solar panels powering a 3MW plant that saves 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide annually.
Terminal A is set to double the current airport capacity and can accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year. With flights to 117 destinations worldwide, it will increase flight frequency and expand Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a travel, business, and entertainment destination.
