Abu Dhabi Airports has announced that its new terminal at Abu Dhabi International airport will open in ‘early November’ of this year.
Known as Midfield Terminal Building during the construction phase, ‘Terminal A’ will cover 742,000 sqm of built-up area.
According to Abu Dhabi Airports, it will therefore be “among the largest airport terminals in the world” and will significantly increase Abu Dhabi International airport’s passenger and cargo capacity.
Once operational, the new terminal will accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year. It will be able to process 11,000 travellers per hour and operate 79 aircraft at any given time.
The terminal will also feature lounges, relaxation zones, and spa facilities. It will also have 163 retail and food and beverage outlets.
Furthermore, Terminal A will feature a range of interconnected biometric systems that will facilitate passage from pre-travel to boarding gate, facilitated by self-service kiosks, streamlined security checkpoints and advanced baggage handling systems.
The building’s glass exterior has reportedly been built in line with the UAE’s sustainability targets. It features energy-efficient lighting, advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems and sustainable materials within its construction.
A fully integrated solar photovoltaic system has also been installed on the roof of Terminal A’s car park, which currently powers a three-megawatt (MW) plant that is saving nearly 5,300t of CO₂ annually.
The rising fortunes of commercial aviation in the Middle East
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said, “As Abu Dhabi’s new gateway to the world, Terminal A is an embodiment of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to support the emirate’s sustainable economic development. The opening of the facility, which is on par with the largest and grandest on our planet, turns over a new page in Abu Dhabi’s 55-year aviation history.”
Elena Sorlini, managing director and interim CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports added, “Through leveraging the latest technologies, Abu Dhabi’s reimagined airport experience will offer a seamless passenger journey, fostering connectivity, interactions, business, trade and tourism, all of which are essential elements in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position on the world stage.”
In a statement shared with Business Traveller, Etihad Airways also confirmed that it is expected to gradually move its operations to the new terminal. “Etihad Airways is excited and prepared to move into its new home at Terminal A. Etihad is actively collaborating with Abu Dhabi Airports to ensure a seamless transition and will provide clear information to its guests about their departure and arrival terminals. Etihad’s flight schedules for Terminal A are in the final stages of preparation and the airline will communicate directly with all guests regarding any changes that may affect them during this transition,” said Mohammed Al Bulooki, Chief operating officer at Etihad Airways.
(Image: Supplied by Abu Dhabi Airports)
