Abu Dhabi’s new Terminal A to open on November 1

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Terminal A, which will double the UAE gateway’s current capacity to 45 million passengers per annum, will officially open on November 1, it was announced today.

Etihad’s ceremonial flight will take place on October 31, ahead of the terminal’s eagerly awaited opening to the public the following day.

Airlines will transition into Terminal A in three phases over a two week period, with Eithad, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines commencing the migration on November 1.

Elena Sorlini, managing director and interim CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “With final preparations almost complete, I am proud to say we are ready to open Terminal A to the public on November 1st.

“We will see a rapid increase in the number of flights operating from Terminal A as of November 1st to the 14th, and I’m excited by the new opportunities and experiences which the iconic facility will bring to both airlines and passengers.

“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.”

According to Abu Dhabi Airports, when fully operational, Terminal A will be a shopper’s paradise covering 35,000sqm with 163 retail and F&B outlets offering passengers a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities to enjoy.

It states: “From Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Ferragamo, to the world’s first Muji airport store, Terminal A is a shopping destination designed to amplify a passenger’s travel experience.

“When it comes to food and beverage, there is something to accommodate all palates. Jones The Grocer, Taste of India, Starbucks and the Camden Food Co. are just a few of the exciting brands calling Terminal A their new home. Also, catering to little palates, young travellers can embark on a culinary adventure amidst their favourite McDonalds or TGI Fridays restaurant as they enjoy its playful décor.

“Additionally, Todd English opens his first airport restaurant providing diners with a wide selection of cuisines from around the world. For relaxation and rejuvenating prior to flying, there are two health and beauty spas along with a high quality 138-bedroom hotel plus a modern open-air lounge offering renowned Arabic hospitality.”

The airport claims that Terminal A will be the first in the world to include all nine biometric airport touchpoints.

In the first phase, it says that this will see biometric solutions installed in key areas, such as self-service bag drops, immigration eGates and boarding gates.

When fully operational, it will use facial recognition technology to screen passengers and minimise wait times.

Combined with other high-tech facilities including an advanced baggage handling system capable of processing up to 19,200 bags per hour, Terminal A is poised to deliver a seamless passenger journey to travellers.

According to the UAE gateway, the X-shaped building design helps improve operational efficiency and passenger flow featuring four themed piers inspired by Abu Dhabi’s desert, sea, city and oasis natural landscapes.

It also features the Sana Al Nour, which is one of the largest indoor public art features in the Middle East, standing at 22 metres tall and 17 metres wide.

Built to be sustainable, Terminal A will drastically reduce water consumption by 45%, whilst more than 7,500 solar panels power a 3MW plant that currently saves 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide annually.