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Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport paves way for ‘document-free’ travel

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport paves way for ‘document-free’ travel
23 Jan 2025 23:12

ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)

Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi is shaping its future as a global travel hub with ambitious plans to become the world's first completely "document-free" airport in 2025.

At the heart of the drive is the desire to deliver an unparalleled passenger experience, replacing the familiar frustrations of crowded terminals, endless queues, and impersonal processes with a journey that is seamless, efficient, and human-centred.

"What differentiates Zayed International Airport from other airports is undoubtedly the passenger experience. Most airports talk about that, but it's far more difficult to actually deliver it," Frank McCrorie, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, told Aletihad in an interview.

Cutting-edge Tech for Safer, Smoother Travel
A centrepiece of Zayed International Airport's document-free drive is the Smart Travel Project, with plans to entirely eliminate the need for physical documents by integrating biometric technology into every stage of the travel process, McCrorie revealed.

"The type of technology we're investing in is very exciting; it's cutting-edge. I truly believe that by the time we complete the project at the end of 2025, we will be the first airport globally to offer a truly seamless experience. And by seamless, we mean document-free," he said.



Biometric systems, using facial recognition and other distinctive physical identifiers, promise to expedite processes and reduce friction points throughout the airport. Passengers will be able to move through security checkpoints, access lounges, and board planes with just a glance at a camera, making lengthy queues and repetitive identity checks a thing of the past.

However, McCrorie was keen to emphasise that this embrace of technology would not come at the expense of passenger choice or privacy.

"For those who have concerns, there will be an opt-out option," he said. "Manual processes will remain available, and we will facilitate that, as you would expect."

Zayed International Airport's technological drive, however, is as much about safety as it is about convenience.

"We're heavily investing in technologies like biometrics, as well as the latest systems and security measures. This drives a better passenger experience, but also enhances the security product," McCrorie said.

Biometric verification, coupled with other tech innovations, offers a higher level of accuracy in identity confirmation, thereby reducing the risk of fraudulent activities and enhancing the overall security framework of the airport.

This dual focus, McCrorie explained, aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader aspirations for digital transformation, positioning the airport as a leader in adopting innovative solutions while ensuring the highest levels of safety and reliability.

Driving Growth, Connectivity, and Economic Impact
Zayed International Airport's initiatives are closely tied to Abu Dhabi's long-term growth strategy, according to McCrorie, as the airport leverages its capabilities and global reach to cultivate an ecosystem that stimulates tourism, commerce, and foreign investments within the emirate.

"Zayed International Airport is at the heart of Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030 - we see ourselves as a global hub," McCrorie said.

He pointed out that the airport's advantageous location, at the crossroads between eastern and western trade routes, expands its function beyond a transit hub to a catalyst for the emirate's economic diversification.

In other words, beyond its primary role of moving passengers, the airport also boosts Abu Dhabi's competitive edge and drives job creation by connecting key industries such as hospitality, retail, and services. And, as the airport's infrastructure and technology evolve, so too does its capacity to drive efficiency, creating a more attractive environment for foreign investments due to faster processing times and smoother operations.

"This, combined with our airline growth strategy, means we will grow the business and deliver more economic benefits to Abu Dhabi," the Chief Operations Officer added.

According to McCrorie, the airport's geographic advantage and growing prominence have been supercharged through strategic partnerships with international airlines, leading to expanded routes and greater connectivity - an effort that has already translated into remarkable growth rates as the airport celebrates its first anniversary.

Between January and September 2024, Zayed International Airport welcomed 21.7 million passengers, marking a 31.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Point-to-point traffic grew by 27.3% year-on-year, reaching 10.3 million passengers by September 30, 2024, while transfer traffic surged by 36% to 10.9 million during the same period.

Solidifying its status as the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East for international seat capacity, AUH also witnessed a record-breaking milestone on August 2, 2024, handling 92,677 passengers in a single day.

Strengthening Infrastructure for Future Growth
With the growing number of travellers choosing Abu Dhabi as a destination or transit point, the airport is committed to handling the increasing demand and ensuring operational resilience, according to Seham Al Mehri, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations, Government Affairs, and Aviation Security at Abu Dhabi Airports.

"We are always looking for ways to improve - we have recently completed a major project upgrading our northern runway," Al Mehri revealed in an interview with Aletihad.

Completed ahead of time, the Northern Runway Rehabilitation project delivered a series of structural and technological enhancements to bolster the airport's capacity and efficiency.

Among those was the reinforcement and resurfacing of the runway with 210,000 tonnes of asphalt to accommodate larger aircraft and increased traffic, as well as the installation of a new ground visibility monitoring system for accurate visibility readings under diverse weather conditions.

The runway was further equipped with a state-of-the-art Instrument Landing System - a precision navigation technology that improves operational accuracy during aircraft approaches and landings, especially in low-visibility situations.

In line with sustainability goals, the airport replaced over 1,200 energy-intensive halogen airfield lights with environmentally-friendly LED technology to reduce energy consumption.

Prioritising Accessibility and Passenger Wellbeing
While operational efficiency remains a key component of its strategy for improving passenger experience, Zayed International Airport views inclusivity as non-negotiable, fostering an environment that accommodates the diverse needs of all travellers and ensures equal access to all facilities, according to Al Mehri.

"We are passionate about giving all our passengers a world-class experience at Zayed International Airport. And that means not only having a state-of-the-art facility and the latest innovative technology but also going the extra mile to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and cared for," she said.

Recognising that many conditions - such as autism, chronic pain, or anxiety - are not immediately apparent, the airport is one of only three in the Middle East to implement a globally recognised identification system to support passengers who may require additional assistance without attracting unwanted attention.

"We have launched the Hidden Disability Sunflower Programme to ensure accessibility for passengers with hidden disabilities. This includes staff training, innovative technology, and dedicated spaces designed to provide comfort for all travellers," Al Mehri said, explaining that trained staff signal their readiness to assist by wearing sunflower pins, while passengers signal their need for support by wearing complimentary lanyards available at the Special Assistance desks in the pre-check-in area.

Expanding on the vision for inclusive spaces shared by Al Mehri, Frank McCrorie revealed another initiative Zayed International Airport has implemented - the recently completed Sensory Room at Terminal A.

Designed to support passengers who may find the airport environment overwhelming, these rooms combine therapeutic techniques with features like soothing lights, interactive activities, and comfortable seating to help both children and adults relax and refocus.

"[The Sensory Room] is very unique in airports. It's a facility built specifically for people with hidden disabilities, providing a safe space for some peace and tranquillity… I am very excited about that," McCrorie said.

A Vision for Continuous Improvement
Zayed International Airport's efforts have already earned recognition from travellers, receiving multiple prestigious accolades on the international stage.

Most recently, the airport stole the show at the Prix Versailles awards, winning "World's Most Beautiful Airport" for its outstanding architectural design and innovative features.

It was also named "Best Airport at Arrivals Globally" at the 2023 Airport Service Quality Awards, based on feedback from nearly 600,000 passenger surveys, and the world's third-best new airport terminal in the Skytrax World Airport Awards.

Zayed International Airport has also received the prestigious Airports Council International's (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation, in recognition of its commitment to providing an inclusive travel experience for all passengers.

However, with an attitude befitting its home base of Abu Dhabi - a city known for its relentless pursuit of excellence - Zayed International Airport views its numerous accolades as inspiration to outperform itself, rather than a chance to rest on its laurels.

"We won't stop. We will continue to analyse what our passengers' requirements are, who the segments of passengers are, and we will continue to respond by making further investments to ensure the passenger experience is the best in the world," McCrorie said.

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