Discover Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Terminal A
The Abu Dhabi government has always focused on infrastructure development and tried to stay ahead of demand. Regarding road traffic or air traffic management, the authorities prefer data-driven forecasts and undertake massive projects to fulfil future requirements. Abu Dhabi International Airport’s New Midfield Terminal is a great example of such a futuristic outlook. Let’s look at this massive and course-changing initiative that is set to be launched on the 1st of November, 2023.
NEW MIDFIELD TERMINAL: WHAT TO EXPECT
The second largest among the UAE airports, Abu Dhabi International Airport serves 30 airlines travelling to 120 destinations worldwide. Adding the new Midfield Terminal, there are four AUH airport terminals. Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield Terminal project started in 2013, and the masterplan was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF).
The facility can accommodate 11,000 passengers per hour and almost 45 million passengers annually. Not to mention, it can cater to 59 aircraft at one time.
With a covered area of 700,000 sq. m., the terminal is set to serve a huge audience. More than 18,000 sq. m. have been dedicated to retail outlets and around 10,000 sq. m. to restaurants and cafes. Additionally, 27,500 sq. m. of land has been used to build hospitality lounges and a transit hotel.
The latest technologies have been employed at the terminal. For instance, new facial recognition will reduce airport queue times. Furthermore, the Midfield Terminal building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport has the most extensive baggage handling system and a Smart Travel System.
The Midfield Terminal is set to replace Terminals 1 and 2. Whereas Terminal 3 is likely to be used during peak season. The present terminals will also be connected to the Midfield Terminal. Expanding a satellite boarding concourse option is also available with the new terminal.
CONSTRUCTION OF ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S NEW MIDFIELD TERMINAL
As many as 18,000 people, 42 towers and 35 mobile cranes have been used to build this project. The building has a multi-level basement with 69k tonnes of superstructure steelwork forming the base of the huge span roof structure. The project’s impact on the environment has been minimised with cutting-edge innovative design. For instance, high-performance angle glass has been used to reduce heat and increase air-conditioning efficiencies.
INAUGURATION OF THE ABU DHABI MIDFIELD TERMINAL
The Midfield Terminal will be inaugurated on the 1st of November, 2023. A ceremonial Etihad flight will fly on the 31st of October. Following this, flights from Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and multiple other international airlines will fly out of the building from the 1st of November.
From the 9th of November, Etihad Airways shall fly out 16 daily flights. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and 10 other airlines are set to fly from the 14th November. In total, 28 airlines will operate from the new terminal. More than 11,000 individuals have worked on ensuring everything works seamlessly on the day of the inauguration, testing all procedures and processes.
FAQS about Midfield Terminal Abu Dhabi
WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
Want to learn about the airport in the UAE capital? Our Abu Dhabi International Airport guide has everything you may want to know. If you have a transit flight and a few hours to kill, here’s a list of things to do at the Abu Dhabi Airport.
WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT AIRPORTS IN THE UAE?
Check out our blog about airports in the UAE as we present the key details about all the big airports in the country.
That concludes our look at the Midfield Terminal building at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. It offers travellers a unique experience and opens up new opportunities for airlines. We can’t wait to take our first flight via the Midfielder Terminal and appreciate the marvels of modern-day technology.
Title Image: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)