The inauguration of Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, one of the world's most expansive airport terminals, is scheduled for 1 November 2023. This remarkable terminal is designed to accommodate an impressive 45 million passengers annually and facilitate flights to 117 global destinations. Notably, Abu Dhabi based Etihad Airways, will have a ceremonial flight on 31 October ahead of the public opening on 1 November.
The upcoming terminal will improve the travel experience with cutting-edge facilities for passengers and airlines in the region. The transition of airlines to Terminal A will occur in three phases during a two-week period. Starting 1 November, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines will operate from the new terminal.
From 9 November, Etihad Airways will operate 16 daily flights, before going fully operational on 14 November, together with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and 10 other airlines. From 14 November, 28 airlines will be fully operational from Terminal A.
To get ready for the big opening, operational readiness trials will wrap up on 17 October. These trials have included over 11,000 volunteers from the Abu Dhabi community, such as airport staff, students, families, and aviation partners. Successfully finishing these trials is a crucial step in making sure Terminal A is fully prepared for its public debut in November.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “With final preparations almost complete, I am proud to say we are ready to open Terminal A to the public on 1 November. We will see a rapid increase in the number of flights operating from Terminal A from 1 to 14 November. Terminal A will drive the growth of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi and play an instrumental role in welcoming more businesses and tourists to the emirate for decades to come.”
Terminal A will be home to 163 shops and dining spots, providing passengers with plenty of options for shopping and eating. Additionally, it features two health and beauty spas, a 138-bedroom hotel, and a contemporary open-air lounge offering exceptional Arabic hospitality. The terminal is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient passenger experience, and it will be the first in the world to include all nine biometric airport touchpoints.
The X-shaped terminal has been created to enhance how things run smoothly and how passengers move through it. It has four themed piers that draw inspiration from Abu Dhabi's natural landscapes, including the desert, sea, city, and oasis. Moreover, it boasts Sana Al Nour, one of the Middle East's largest indoor public art features, standing tall at 22 metres and spanning 17 metres in width.