Abu Dhabi International Airport is gearing up to unveil its highly anticipated Terminal A to the public on November 1. The opening ceremony will be preceded by a ceremonial flight operated by Etihad Airways on October 31. The new terminal, covering 742,000 square meters, will double the airport’s current capacity, accommodating up to 45 million passengers annually.
Key Points:
- Phased Transition: Airlines will gradually shift operations to Terminal A in three phases between November 1 and November 14. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international carriers will commence operations from the new terminal on November 1. Etihad Airways will increase its daily flights to 16 from November 9 before completing its transition along with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and 10 other airlines on November 14.
- Enhanced Features: Terminal A boasts nine main biometric touchpoints, including self-service baggage drops, immigration e-gates, and boarding gates, facilitating a streamlined passenger experience. The terminal will use facial recognition technology for passenger screening. It features an advanced baggage handling system capable of processing up to 19,200 bags per hour.
- Shopping and Dining: Terminal A offers an extensive shopping and dining experience spanning 35,000 square meters, housing 163 retail stores and food outlets. Luxury brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Ferragamo will have a presence, and the terminal will feature the world’s first Muji airport store.
- Eco-Friendly Operations: The terminal is designed with eco-friendly practices, reducing water consumption by 45% and utilizing over 7,500 solar panels to power a three-megawatt plant, saving 5,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
- Advanced Systems: An advanced surface movement control system, a first in the Middle East, ensures safe and efficient landings even during low-visibility weather conditions.
The opening of Terminal A signifies a significant step in Abu Dhabi’s efforts to establish itself as a global travel and tourism hub, aligning with its ambitions to diversify non-oil sectors and enhance its strategic industries, including travel, tourism, cargo, and logistics.
FAQs
Q1: When will Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new terminal open to the public?
A1: Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new terminal will open to the public on November 1.
Q2: How will airlines transition to the new Terminal A building?
A2: Airlines will move to the new Terminal A building in three phases over a two-week period from November 1 to November 14. Etihad Airways will operate a ceremonial flight on October 31. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines will fly from the new terminal on November 1. From November 9, Etihad Airways will operate 16 daily flights, and its full move to the new terminal building will be completed on November 14, along with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and 10 other airlines.
Q3: What is the purpose of the ceremonial flight by Etihad Airways on October 31?
A3: Etihad Airways is operating a ceremonial flight on October 31 to mark the official launch of the new terminal.
Q4: What role will the new Terminal A play in Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector?
A4: The new Terminal A will drive the growth of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi and play an instrumental role in welcoming more businesses and tourists to the emirate for decades to come.
Q5: How much capacity will Terminal A add to Abu Dhabi International Airport?
A5: Terminal A will double the current airport’s capacity, allowing it to handle up to 45 million passengers per year.
Q6: What are some key features of Terminal A that enhance the passenger experience?
A6: Key features of Terminal A that enhance the passenger experience include nine main biometric touchpoints, self-service baggage drops, immigration e-gates, and boarding gates. It will facilitate a streamlined service from kerb to gate.
Q7: What technology will be used for passenger screening in Terminal A?
A7: Facial recognition technology will be used to screen passengers, reducing wait times. An advanced baggage handling system will process up to 19,200 bags per hour.
Q8: How is Terminal A designed to be eco-friendly?
A8: Terminal A is designed to reduce water consumption by 45% and features over 7,500 solar panels powering a three-megawatt plant, saving 5,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Q9: What is the significance of the opening of Terminal A for Abu Dhabi’s travel and tourism industry?
A9: The opening of Terminal A is a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s journey as a global hub for travel and tourism.
Q10: What are Abu Dhabi’s broader plans for economic diversification in non-oil sectors?
A10: Abu Dhabi is focusing on diversifying non-oil sectors, including travel, tourism, cargo, and logistics, as part of its wider plans to reduce its economy’s reliance on oil.
