In a significant move, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued directives to rename the Abu Dhabi International Airport ahead of its opening on November 1. The new official name, Zayed International Airport, will come into effect on February 9, 2024, coinciding with the official opening ceremony of the new Terminal A.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recently toured the 742,000-square-meter terminal. During this visit, he received briefings on the impressive facilities it offers, which are expected to boost tourism and aviation growth in the emirate.
The newly inaugurated Terminal A, previously known as the Midfield Terminal during its construction phase, will have the capacity to serve up to 45 million passengers annually and facilitate flights to 117 destinations worldwide. Its operations are set to commence on November 1, significantly enhancing passenger capacity in Abu Dhabi and reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global aviation hub. Etihad Airways’ ceremonial flight is scheduled for October 31, with the terminal opening to the public on the following day.
The new Terminal A promises a remarkable travel experience through its state-of-the-art passenger and airline facilities. The transition of airlines to Terminal A will occur in three phases over two weeks, with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines beginning operations on November 1. Etihad Airways is set to operate 16 daily flights from November 9 and will go fully operational from its new home on November 14, along with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and ten other airlines. By November 14, a total of 28 airlines will be fully operational from Terminal A.
Upon full operation, Terminal A will offer passengers a staggering 35,000 square meters of retail space, comprising 163 shops and food and beverage outlets. The variety of choices will include renowned brands such as Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Ferragamo, and the first Muji airport store.
Additionally, the new airport terminal in Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open on November 1, 2023, will bear the name Zayed International Airport as of February 9, 2024, in tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
This airport features impressive sustainable infrastructure and world-class facilities, with an annual capacity of up to 45 million passengers and room for 79 aircraft at any given time. Travelers will experience a streamlined journey with cutting-edge technologies, including interconnected biometric systems, self-service kiosks, streamlined security checkpoints, and state-of-the-art baggage handling systems.
Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal has already gained global recognition due to its appearance in the movie “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” The terminal’s stunning architecture and iconic 315-meter curved roof set the stage for a thrilling action scene in the film. It has garnered international attention and showcased its cutting-edge design and functionality.
As the new terminal prepares to open its doors to the public, it marks a significant milestone in the development of Abu Dhabi‘s aviation infrastructure.