Abu Dhabi’s Etihad to welcome over 1.5 million passengers over next six weeks

UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways is gearing up to welcome over 1.5 million travellers at Abu Dhabi International Airport between November 21 and January 8, 2023, as visitors plan their winter holidays.

Guests flying with Etihad Airways can avail facilities like its self-service bag drop facility, which offers a faster check-in experience. Once checked-in online, travellers availing the self-service facility can retrieve their booking, print the bag-tag and process their bags in less than two minutes.

“There has never been a better time to experience Abu Dhabi, with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix taking place this weekend and many more attractions to be enjoyed over the winter season,” said Shaeb Al Najjar, general manager hub operations, Etihad Airways.

“Football fans from around the world will also be flocking to the region ahead of the most exciting football event of the year. As a result, Etihad with its partners, is geared up and ready to host 1.5 million expected guests over the next six weeks.”

Read: Qatar to welcome non-ticketed FIFA World Cup fans from December 2

The airline has advised customers to follow a few tips to effectively navigate the rush period. Travellers should check in online and arrive early to complete airport formalities. During peak times, check-in opens four hours before departure and closes an hour before departure for non-US flights and two hours before for US flights.

Meanwhile, boarding for all Etihad Airways flights closes 20 minutes before departure. For destinations with travel restrictions, travellers should visit the carrier’s website to upload their Covid travel documents. Upon receipt of approval via email, passengers can check-in online and obtain their boarding card, use ‘Verified to Fly’ desks at the airport, or the self-service facilities.

Effective November 21 until January 8, guests can check-in 24 hours to four hours before their flight at the airport’s staff travel centre, where they would receive free Etihad miles or additional 5kg excess baggage, as well as complimentary two hours at the Skypark parking. The facility will be open from 10am till 5.30pm.

Guests flying with Etihad will also be able to check-in at Morafiq’s city check-in facility at the Mina Zayed. which is open between 9am to 9pm. Guests can check-in from 24 hours to four hours before their flight, with services starting from Dhs45 45 per adult, Dhs25 per child, Dhs15 per infant and a discounted fee of Dhs120 for a family of four members.

Guests can also check in from their homes up to seven hours before their flight. Passengers flying to the US can benefit from the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Abu Dhabi International Airport.