Abu Dhabi Airport To Open Massive New Terminal In November

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) has set early November for the opening of its new 8-million-ft.² passenger terminal.

AUH says the new facility, to be called Terminal A, will have the capacity to handle 45 million annual passengers—more than twice the number of passengers AUH is expected to process this year. The terminal was originally targeted to open in 2017, but a number of hurdles, including the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed back completion of the facility to 2023.

“Equipped with the latest technologies, Terminal A boasts a range of interconnected biometric systems that will invite passengers to enjoy the speed and comfort of a seamless, digitized journey from pre-travel to boarding gate, facilitated by self-service kiosks, streamlined security checkpoints and state-of-the-art baggage handling systems,” AUH says in a statement.

The terminal will feature 163 food and beverage outlets, as well as “relaxation zones” and spas, according to AUH, which adds: “Terminal A will appeal to both leisure and business travelers.”

AUH Chairman Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan says: “The opening of the facility ... turns over a new page in Abu Dhabi’s 55-year aviation history. A beacon of modernity and sophistication, it will be a pivotal driver for our emirate’s growth by spurring tourism and trade.”

The airport's Managing Director and Interim CEO Elena Sorlini adds: “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.”

AUH handled 10.3 million passengers in the first half of 2023, up 67% year-over-year. The airport connects to 114 destinations served by 27 airlines. The top AUH destination markets in the first half of 2023 were Mumbai, India; London, New Delhi and Kochi, India; and Doha, Qatar.