Today's Edition
RASHA TABELLA (ABU DHABI)
All eyes are on Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which will begin operations on November 1, adding premium services to the aviation sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Travelers passing through the new passenger terminal will need just an average of 12 minutes for their journey from the concourse to the gate, with a minimum connection time of 45 minutes for connecting flights.
Terminal A for Passengers will be the first airport in the world to use all nine biometric contact points, including the lounge, retail outlets, e-gates, immigration and passport offices, self-baggage drop-off counters, travel procedures and registration before travel, and boarding gates.
A total of 28 airlines will transition in three phases from November 1 to 14. The first phase, starting on November 1, includes about 16 airlines, including Etihad Airways, Air India, Pegasus Airlines, and others. The second phase, which begins on November 9, will see Etihad Airways transition select flights, while the third phase includes 12 airlines, including remaining Etihad Airways flights, Air Arabia, Saudi Arabian Airlines, EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, and others.
Gates
As for the aircraft boarding gates, the building designed in the shape of the letter X features a total of 49 gates. Among them, 45 gates are distributed across four concourses, each inspired by the natural landscapes of Abu Dhabi. Concourse A, inspired by the cities of Abu Dhabi, includes 8 aircraft boarding gates. Concourse B, inspired by the desert of Abu Dhabi, includes 16 gates. Concourse C, inspired by the oases of Abu Dhabi, features 15 gates. Concourse D, inspired by the sea of Abu Dhabi, includes 6 boarding gates. The remaining four gates are located in the centre of the building.
Smart Services
Passenger experience is a top priority for Terminal A for Passengers, with a focus on providing a simplified service from the concourse to the aircraft gate. In the first phase, biometric measurements will be implemented in key areas, such as self-baggage drop-off, electronic gates for immigration and passport procedures, and aircraft boarding gates.
When the building operates at full capacity, facial recognition technology will be used for passengers to reduce waiting times, along with many other facilities employing advanced technologies, including a sophisticated baggage handling system capable of processing up to 19,200 baggage items per hour.
With these combined advantages, the building is fully prepared to provide a seamless and unprecedented travel experience for passengers. With an increase in the number of aircraft parking positions for boarding gates to 65, congestion will be reduced, providing comfortable boarding experiences and smooth journeys.
Terminal A for Passengers is one of the largest airport terminals in the world, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s global status as a hub for tourism and trade. It will triple the current capacity of the airport, accommodating nearly 45 million passengers annually, with an average of approximately 11,000 passengers per hour. The new building is three times the size of the previous one, and it will serve flights covering 117 destinations worldwide, expanding the range of flights to and from Abu Dhabi, further enhancing its position as a destination for travel, business, and entertainment.
Sustainability Practices
The building is committed to achieving the best sustainability practices in the built environment at the regional level, aiming to achieve three sustainability pearls.
Thanks to its design, the building will help improve operational efficiency and passenger movement smoothly. It includes four concourses, each with a unique character inspired by the natural landscapes of Abu Dhabi’s desert, sea, cities, and oases.
It also features one of the largest interior public art landmarks in the Middle East, named Sana Al Nour, standing 22 metres by 17 metres. It distributes air and light between departure and arrival levels, enhancing lighting and saving energy through natural ventilation techniques.
Terminal A for Passengers will significantly reduce water consumption by 45%, while more than 7,500 solar panels have been installed to generate solar power, operating a 3-megawatt station. Currently, this reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 5,300 tonnes annually.
At the same time, an advanced system for controlling surface movement on runways, the first of its kind in the Middle East, has been employed. It allows aircraft to land quickly and safely even in low-visibility weather conditions.
More than 90% of the steel used in the construction of Terminal A for Passengers has been recycled, reducing the use of raw materials and promoting the circular economy.
Shopping Destination
When Terminal A for Passengers is fully operational, it will be an attractive shopping destination, covering an area of 35,000 square metres. It boasts 163 outlets including shops, restaurants, and cafes, offering travellers a wide range of shopping opportunities and dining experiences.
The building has successfully attracted a wide spectrum of renowned global brands, designed to enhance passengers’ travel experiences. Whether travellers are looking for food or beverages, they will find options that suit all tastes. To cater to the preferences of young passengers and children, they can enjoy their favourite offerings from a restaurant that has opened a branch with playful decor.
For travellers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation before their flights, the building features two health and beauty clubs. Additionally, there is a high-quality hotel with 138 rooms and a modern lounge that provides visitors with the renowned Arabian hospitality atmosphere.
