Abu Dhabi's gateway to a seamless passenger journey

Hollywood filmstar Tom Cruise might have shone the spotlight on Abu Dhabi Airport’s new terminal back in June, when he landed there to promote the latest instalment of the “Mission: Impossible” films. But at the time the new facility, which originally had a price tag set at $3 billion, was yet to open for business. That’s all set to change this November however, when the airport is scheduled to celebrate the long-awaited opening of its Terminal A.

Marking a milestone for Abu Dhabi’s aviation landscape, construction of Terminal A – known previously as the midfield terminal building – originally began more than a decade ago in 2012. While cost overruns and the pandemic have been blamed for delaying the original completion date in 2017, the airport is now finally set to open its doors with all flights, including those operated by Etihad Airways, Wiz Air, Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, expected to transfer over to the new facility from 14 November.

Spanning an impressive 742,000 sq. m. and with the capacity to handle up to 45 million passengers per year, the terminal has been described as a “visual masterpiece” that redefines airport design and functionality.

Designed by Kohn Pederson Fox, the imposing X-shaped structure features a 50m high space in the departures hall with long-span leaning arches, an undulating roof and expansive windows flooding the terminal with natural light. At night the building’s illuminated interior creates a transparent structure visible over 1,500m away.

Describing the new terminal as a “gateway to the world,” His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports said: “The opening of the new 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.”

He also noted that “terminal A embodies Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to support the emirate’s sustainable and economic development.”

In line with the UAE’s sustainability targets, the building features energy-efficient lighting, advanced heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and has incorporated sustainable materials into its construction. Meanwhile, a fully-integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) system has been installed on the roof of the car park. This powers a three-megawatt solar PV plant saving nearly 5,300 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Inside, the terminal features world-class amenities, including luxury lounges and relaxation zones. Passengers will also be able to make the most of the 163 retail and food and beverage outlets. Key commercial partners appointed under the contracting process in 2016 include Lagardère Travel Retail, Emirates Leisure Retail and SSP, while JC Decaux has been awarded a 10-year exclusive advertising concession for the new terminal. As part of this agreement JC Decaux will roll out a unique media platform, including four media walls, to offer an immersive experience for passengers.

To ensure a seamless passenger experience, the terminal will also be equipped with the latest passenger-processing technologies, including a range of interconnected biometric systems. In addition, self-service kiosks, streamlined security checkpoints and the world’s most extensive baggage handling system (according to construction firm Turner & Townsend) will help the airport process up to 11,000 passengers per hour. When fully operational, Abu Dhabi Airports says the terminal will be the only one globally to offer all nine touchpoints in the biometric journey, paving the way for a travel experience tailored to individual passengers.

“Through leveraging the latest technologies, Abu Dhabi’s reimagined airport experience will offer a seamless passenger journey, fostering connectivity, interactions, business, trade and tourism,” noted Elena Sorlini, managing director and interim CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports.

She concluded: “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 offers exceptional services that meet the evolving priorities of today’s travellers.”