Operation of Abu Dhabi International Airport's Terminal A will commence in November 2023

The simulation test of Abu Dhabi International Airport's Terminal A has been successfully completed, with more than 11K volunteers involved. The final preparations are almost done and the first Etihad Airways flight will occur on 31st October, signifying the grand opening. Visitors will be able to appreciate and use the new airport building from 1st November 2023.

The first airline to begin operating in Terminal A will be Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, followed by 15 other international operators. Etihad Airways will join them from 9th November, and by the end of the month, there will be 28 airlines serving 117 destinations around the world. 

The new terminal incorporates all the latest achievements in handling passenger traffic to ensure a smoother travelling experience for everyone. Biometric technologies used for facial recognition will reduce time spent on passenger screening at boarding gates, baggage claim, migration control, and other key checkpoints. The building features a state-of-the-art baggage handling system and the X-shaped terminal configuration will facilitate passenger navigation and improve operational efficiency.

Special attention has been given to passenger comfort and visitors’ experience, as a huge area of 377K sq. ft will house retail and catering outlets, offering passengers a wide range of goods and dining options. The terminal will also include a 138-room hotel for transit passengers.

Terminal A will become one of the largest airport facilities in the world and will be able to accept up to 45M passengers per year. This increase in capacity of Abu Dhabi International Airport will strengthen the emirate's position as the centre of global tourism and business, and will attract more companies to the UAE capital.