Six years: that's the delay in the expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport with the opening of a spectacular terminal, known in its day as the Midfield Terminal. Originally planned for 2017, l'terminal, renamed Terminal Awill have far exceeded all budget forecastsThe total cost of construction is now estimated at 3 billion.
The terminal is finally open and will enable the hub of the national carrier Etihad Airways to accommodate, in an initial phase, up to 45 million passengers This figure is set to rise to more than 80 million as future expansions take place. At its current capacity, the terminal can simultaneously handle 79 aircraft and 11,000 passengers per hour. With its X shape, the terminal guarantees transits lasting an average of 45 minutes.
The airport expects to welcome between 22 and 23 million passengers this year. Traffic in the first half of 2023 was 67% higher than in 2022, with 10.26 million passengers.
Opening in phases until 14 November
Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport went into service on 1 November.. However, the airlines will move in over three phases. On 1 November, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other airlines have moved into the new Terminal. From 9 November, Etihad Airways will operate 16 daily flights. The company will transfer all its lines on 14 November. On the same date, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and 10 other airlines will also be moving into Terminal A.
Terminal A is a shopper's paradisecovering 35,000 m² with 163 dealershipsIt offers passengers a wide range of shopping and dining options. It is home to the big names in fashion such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Ferragamo. But there's also the world's first airport boutique from Japan's Muji.
There are also a number of restaurant chains, from classic fast-food outlets to luxury restaurants. For relaxation, the terminal offers two spas and a 138-room hotel and an open-air lounge.
Putting passenger well-being first
Terminal A prioritises the passenger experience, optimising passenger flow and security. It is also the first airport in the world to include nine biometric contact points.
Biometric identification technology has been installed in key areas. It can be found at self-service baggage counters, electronic immigration counters and boarding gates.. When fully operational, these biometric technologies will use facial recognition to screen passengers and reduce waiting times. Other high-tech facilities include the baggage sorting system can handle up to 19,200 items per hour.
Art has not been neglected either. The four piers that make up the X of the terminal have been thematised. They represent natural landscapes of the desert, the sea, the city and the Abu Dhabi oasis. The terminal also features the Sana Al Nour, one of the largest indoor public works of art in the Middle East, measuring 22 metres high and 17 metres wide.
