Abu Dhabi: Midfield Terminal Building to open soon, will boost AUH’s capacity

Abu Dhabi Airports has announced the upcoming opening of its state-of-the-art new terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. (AUH)

Known as Midfield Terminal Building during the construction phase, Terminal A is scheduled to commence operations in early November.

It will feature a range of interconnected biometric systems that will enable passengers to enjoy a seamless, digitised journey from pre-travel to boarding gate, by self-service kiosks, streamlined security checkpoints and state-of-the-art baggage handling systems.

New terminal will enhance Abu Dhabi International Airport’s passenger and cargo capacity

Covering 742,000 square metres 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 will accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year, be able to process 11,000 travellers per hour and operate 79 aircraft at any given time.

The striking architecture of Terminal A has won international design awards. The building’s glass exterior maximises natural light to highlight the terminal’s expansive interiors.

The building features energy-efficient lighting, advanced heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and has incorporated sustainable materials in its construction. 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 5,300 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

The terminal will also feature 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.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “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.”

Elena Sorlini, managing director and Interim CEO, 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, the emirate’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 it’s position on the world stage.”