Abu Dhabi’s US $3bn Midfield Terminal Building to open in November
The new terminal can accommodate up to 45m passengers per year, process 11,000 travellers per hour, as well as operate 79 aircraft at any given time
Abu Dhabi International Airport has announced that its new terminal – Midfield Terminal Building or Terminal A – is to begin operations in early November of this year.
The opening of the facility will mark a significant milestone for the emirate. It has the potential to transform the local aviation ecosystem, 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, according to Abu Dhabi Airports.
Covering 742,000sqm of built-up area, Terminal A is among the largest airport terminals in the world and will significantly increase Abu Dhabi International Airport’s passenger and cargo capacity. Once operational, the new terminal can accommodate up to 45m passengers per year, process 11,000 travellers per hour, as well as operate 79 aircraft at any given time.
“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 be a will be a pivotal driver for our emirate’s growth by spurring tourism and trade,” said His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports.
Equipped with the latest technologies, Terminal A boasts a range of interconnected biometric systems that will invite passengers to enjoy the speed and comfort of a seamless, digitised journey from pre-travel to boarding gate, facilitated by self-service kiosks, streamlined security checkpoints and state-of-the-art baggage handling systems, Abu Dhabi Airports explained.
Blending 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, it added.
As a major step towards realising Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to limiting its operational carbon footprint, a fully integrated solar photovoltaic system on Terminal A’s car park roof is currently powering a three-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) plant saving nearly 5,300T of CO2 annually.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director & Interim CEO added, “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.”
The terminal will feature an array of amenities, including luxurious lounges, relaxation zones, and spa facilities, where travellers can rest and rejuvenate before or after their flights. With 163 retail and food and beverage outlets catering to a wide variety of tastes and preferences, the retail offering within Terminal A will appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
