Abu Dhabi International Airport is gearing up for the grand opening of its new Terminal A.
A report by UAE state-run news agency WAM revealed that Etihad Airways will conduct a ceremonial flight on October 31 to mark the occasion. Following this, several airlines will transition to Terminal A in three phases over a two-week period.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines are slated to commence operations from the new terminal starting November 1. Subsequently, on November 9, Etihad Airways will operate 16 daily flights before completing its transition along with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and 10 other airlines by November 14. By this date, a total of 28 airlines will operate from Terminal A.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed confidence in the readiness of Terminal A for public use, stating, “With final preparations almost complete, I am proud to say we are ready to open Terminal A to the public on November 1.”
Once operational, Terminal A is poised to accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually. It boasts the capability to process 11,000 travellers per hour and handle 79 aircraft simultaneously. With flights to 117 destinations worldwide, Terminal A is set to enhance both the frequency and global reach of flights to and from Abu Dhabi.
Terminal A offers an array of amenities, including 35,000 sqm of shopping space housing 163 retail stores and food & beverage outlets. Additionally, the terminal features two health and beauty spas, a 138-key hotel, and an open-air lounge. Notably, it will be the world’s first terminal to incorporate all nine biometric airport touchpoints, streamlining passenger processing and reducing wait times.
The terminal’s green initiatives include a 45% reduction in water consumption and the installation of over 7,500 solar panels, powering a 3 MW plant and curbing carbon dioxide emissions by 5,300 tonnes annually. An Advanced Surface Movement Control System, a first in the Middle East, will ensure safe and efficient aircraft landings during low-visibility weather conditions.
The X-shaped building boasts the Sana Al Nour, one of the largest indoor public art features in the Middle East, spanning 22 metres in height and 17 metres in width.
Ahead of its opening, Terminal A underwent extensive operational trials involving over 6,000 volunteers, including Abu Dhabi Airports staff members, students, families, and aviation stakeholders. These trials tested equipment, staff, and procedures in key operating areas to ensure seamless operations upon inauguration.