Abu Dhabi’s long awaited new Terminal A set to open in November

Abu Dhabi International Airport’s long awaited new state-of-the-art terminal will officially open for business in early November.

Known as the Midfield Terminal Building during the construction phase but now known as Terminal A, its opening will mark a significant milestone for the emirate as it has the potential to transform the local aviation ecosystem.

Operator, Abu Dhabi Airports, believes that it will help strengthen Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for travellers and “further boost its position as a global hub for trade and business”.

Equipped with the latest technologies, Terminal A will boast a range of interconnected biometric systems that it says will invite passengers to enjoy the speed and comfort of a seamless, digitised journey from pre-travel to boarding gate.

This journey will be facilitated by self-service kiosks, streamlined security checkpoints and one of the world’s most advanced baggage handling systems.

Covering a total area of 742,000sqm, Terminal A is among the largest airport terminals in the world and will significantly increase Abu Dhabi International Airport’s passenger and cargo capacity.

For, once operational, the new terminal will be capable of accommodating up to 45 million passengers per year. It will also be able to and process 11,000 travellers per hour and operate 79 aircraft at any given time.

Even before opening, the imposing and memorable architecture of Terminal A has won international design awards and adds an architectural landmark to Abu Dhabi’s cityscape.

According to the airport, its design blends modern, lightweight aesthetics with functional brilliance, the building’s glass exterior maximises natural light while creating a monumental civic space inside the terminal.

In line with the UAE’s sustainability aspirations and targets, the building features energy-efficient lighting, advanced Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems and has incorporated sustainable materials in its construction.

As a major step towards realising Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to limiting its operational carbon footprint, a fully integrated solar photovoltaic system has been installed on the roof of Terminal A’s car park, which currently powers a three-megawatt (MW) plant that is saving nearly 5,300t of CO2 annually.

Terminal A’s facilities will include a relaxation zone and 163 retail and food and beverage designed to cater to all tastes and pockets.

His Excellency, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “As Abu Dhabi’s new gateway to the world, Terminal A is an embodiment of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to support the emirate’s sustainable economic development.

“The opening of the facility, which is on par with the largest and grandest on our planet, turns over a new page in Abu Dhabi’s 55-year aviation history. A beacon of modernity and sophistication, it will be a pivotal driver for our emirate’s growth by spurring tourism and trade.”

While Elena Sorlini, managing director and interim CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Terminal A underscores our dedication to providing our international passengers and partners with a premium airport experience.

“The terminal exemplifies our commitment to excellence and offering exceptional services that meet the evolving priorities of today’s travellers.

“Through leveraging the latest technologies, Abu Dhabi’s reimagined airport experience will offer a seamless passenger journey, fostering connectivity, interactions, business, trade and tourism, all of which are essential elements in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position on the world stage.”