The new terminal at Abu Dhabi Airport opened for business on Wednesday, welcoming its first traveler. After more than ten years of development, the transportation hub is finally ready to strengthen the capital’s economy and tourism industry.
With the ability to accommodate up to 45 million passengers annually, Terminal A will more than double the airport’s passenger capacity. There are 117 destinations that the terminal will send flights to.
“This is a momentous occasion for Abu Dhabi Airports and the emirate,” said Elena Sorlini, managing director and interim chief executive at Abu Dhabi Airports.
“The official opening of Terminal A 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 historical milestone.
“We look forward to sharing the state-of-the-art facilities available at Terminal A with the world and welcoming passengers to Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new home.”
With a total area of 742,000 square meters, the airport ranks among the biggest in the world. It will greatly expand the cargo capacity of the airport.
When it’s completely functional, it will screen passengers and cut down on wait times using facial recognition technology. Up to 19,200 suitcases per hour will be handled by a sophisticated luggage handling system.
With 163 outlets, the new terminal offers approximately 35,000 square meters of dining and retail space.
Over the course of the next two weeks, airlines will relocate to the new Terminal A building in three phases.
When the new terminal’s official inauguration ceremony takes place on February 9 of next year, the airport will be referred to as Zayed International Airport.
President Sheikh Mohamed gave the approval for the rebranding, the Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Tuesday.
The first commercial flight from the new terminal was operated by Etihad on Tuesday.
At 2:35 p.m., Airbus A350-1000 flight EY224, with 359 passengers, departed for New Delhi.
“This is a pivotal and exciting moment in Etihad’s history. As we begin to celebrate our 20th anniversary in November, we are ready for the next growth chapter in our new home,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive of Etihad.
The emirate’s authorities have worked to make sure travelers entering and leaving the country have a seamless transition.
Because of the gradual transition to the hub, Abu Dhabi Airports started a campaign to remind travelers to check that they are at the right terminal.
