A new era for air travel in the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi International Airport is poised for a grand renaming and the unveiling of a new terminal.
The UAE President, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued a directive to rename the airport to Zayed International Airport, in honor of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This change is set to take effect on February 9, 2024, following the official opening ceremony of Terminal A, also known as the Midfield Terminal, on November 1, 2023.
With the countdown to Terminal A’s official opening in full swing, passengers flying in November are urged to check travel information with their respective airlines prior to travelling to the airport or collecting visitors from the airport.
Another important announcement by Abu Dhabi’s airport operator is that, during the critical transition period from 1st -14th November, all terminals (Terminals A, 1, 2 & 3) at Abu Dhabi International Airport will operate simultaneously. From November 15th, all airlines will operate exclusively from Terminal A.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, took a tour of the airport on October 31, getting a firsthand look at the sustainable infrastructure, world-class facilities, and services that the airport has to offer. The airport, sprawling over 742,000 square meters, is designed to handle up to 45 million passengers annually and can accommodate 79 aircraft simultaneously.
Frank McCrorie, Chief Operating Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We look forward to welcoming passengers to the state-of-the-art Terminal A, when it opens to the public on November 1st. The new terminal will bring a major increase in capacity and access to world-class facilities for both passengers and airlines. We strongly suggest that passengers flying from November 1st to 14th check the latest flight information on the Abu Dhabi International Airport website, or with their airline, to confirm which terminal they will fly from or to.”
Abu Dhabi Airports have also installed inter-terminal shuttle buses to chauffeur passengers who may wish to move quickly between terminals, comfortably and regularly, to their correct location.
Passengers using Zayed International Airport can look forward to a seamless and futuristic travel experience. The terminal is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including a super-smart interconnected biometric system that ensures a swift passage through airport formalities. From self-service kiosks and streamlined security checkpoints to a state-of-the-art baggage handling system, every aspect of the passenger journey has been digitized and optimized for efficiency. This ensures that travelers have ample time to explore and enjoy the facilities within the new terminal.
The renaming of Abu Dhabi International Airport to Zayed International Airport is not just a change in nomenclature; it is a tribute to the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and a commitment to continuing his legacy of progress and innovation. With the opening of the Midfield Terminal, Abu Dhabi is set to redefine the standards of air travel, offering passengers a glimpse into the future of aviation.
