Abu Dhabi airport’s T-A goes hi-tech

A total of 28 international airlines are now operational from Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport. All airlines operating from AUH have now fully transitioned to Terminal A.

TT Bureau

Terminal A is now the primary terminal serving Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), with flights arriving to and departing from the emirate set to use the cutting-edge facilities available. The successful transition to Terminal A will facilitate a major increase in aviation capacity in Abu Dhabi, with the terminal able to process up to 45 million travellers annually and handle 79 planes at once. Terminal A will enhance the passenger experience, providing seamless connectivity. The leading facilities available at Terminal A include biometric technology to streamline the screening and boarding process, and 35,000 sq.mt. of retail and F&B space. In November, 7,669 flights operated from Terminal A with already 1,557 flights operating in the first two weeks of operations. The number of flights operating from Terminal A is set to further increase in December to 12,220, as will the number of passengers using the new terminal projected to be 2.29 million.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “With all airlines now operating from Terminal A, I’m pleased to announce a new era for operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Bringing new state of the art facilities and a major increase in aviation capacity, Terminal A will greatly enhance the passenger experience, whilst enabling international airlines to further increase their presence in Abu Dhabi.”

As the UAE’s national airline, Etihad Airways operated the first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi International’s highly-anticipated new Terminal A. To commemorate the occasion, all passengers had the unique opportunity to be the inaugural guests at the new flagship Etihad Lounges, which span three floors at Terminal A.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad, said: “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. Our congratulations go to the Abu Dhabi leadership for their vision in creating what is one of the world’s most spectacular airports.”

Sorlini said: “This is an historic moment for Abu Dhabi International Airport, our partners at Etihad Airways, and the emirate as whole. The first flight from Terminal A marks a major milestone in the journey of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector. Terminal A brings a significant increase to capacity, and delivers state-of-the-art facilities to both airlines and passengers.”