Complete guide to Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi
Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi is the main airport in the UAE capital. If you are travelling through the facility soon and are looking for more information, this article will help you easily navigate the AUH airport! Read on to learn more about the airport’s terminals, lounges, facilities and transport options from the arrivals and departure zones.
GETTING TO THE ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Zayed International Airport is based in the heart of the capital, opposite Masdar City. Its central location makes it easily accessible by public buses, taxis and even private chauffeur services.
Here’s a closer look at the transport options you can use to access the airport in Abu Dhabi.
Taxi: Taxis are the easiest way to travel to and from Zayed International Airport. You can book a taxi by calling the TransAD hotline at 600-535353 or hailing a cab on the go.
Bus: Abu Dhabi has air-conditioned buses that serve the Zayed International Airport, costing AED 4 for a one-way trip. Bus stops are present outside the Abu Dhabi airport arrivals and departure terminals and can be identified by the blue and white signs.
Remember that you need a Hafilat smart card to use the public bus in Abu Dhabi. To know more, check out our Abu Dhabi public transportation guide.
If you wish to travel to Dubai, a shuttle bus service is available, which will take you to the Ibn Battuta Mall Bus Stop. Tickets cost AED 36 and can be booked online.
Car rentals: Many international and local rental car companies have kiosks at the Zayed International Airport. These are open 24/7.
Popular car rental companies operating at the Abu Dhabi airport include:
- Avis
- Dollar Rent a Car
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Thrifty Car Rental
Etihad chauffeur and coach: This special service is offered exclusively to Etihad Airways passengers. Guests travelling by First or Business Class can use the free Etihad Chauffeur services for departure and arrival transfers anywhere in the UAE.
What is the best way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Guests travelling by Economy Class only have free Etihad coach services to Dubai and Al Ain when arriving or departing from Zayed International Airport. The Etihad Chauffeur services can be booked online 24 hours before the flight.
Similarly, Etihad guests can also opt for SIXT for airport transfer. Etihad has partnered with SIXT to provide customers with a convenient paid service.
ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINALS
The international airport in Abu Dhabi is the second largest among the airports in the UAE, after the Dubai International Airport. Over 30 airlines service the airport, travelling to 102 destinations worldwide.
Zayed International Airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal A (formerly Midfield Terminal). After Terminal A was completed, Terminals 1 and 2 were shut down and Terminal 3 was used as a standby facility.
ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 1- T1
Built in 1974, this is the first terminal to service residents travelling to and from Abu Dhabi. It was divided into Terminal 1A and Terminal 1B. Although it was the oldest facility in the airport, it featured modernised check-in and arrivals facilities to manage the steady flow of passengers. Zayed International Airport Terminal 1 also had the iconic circular gate area connected to the departure gate bridges.
This terminal is no longer operational.
ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 – T2
Terminal 2 is located in a separate building – to the west of Terminal 1. The Zayed International Airport Terminal 2 is the smallest among the three terminals, with 19 check-in counters, three bus-boarding gates and two baggage claim belts.
This terminal is no longer operational.
ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 3- T3
Terminal 3 in the Abu Dhabi airport served the national carrier, Etihad Airways and its Airbus A380s. It was built as an expansion to Terminal 1. Departure gates 28–35 and 58–61, a large duty free and a food court could be found at Zayed International Airport Terminal 3.
Terminal 3 is now a standby facility.
TERMINAL A (MIDFIELD TERMINAL)
Terminal A was inaugurated on the 1st of November 2023. This new terminal can accommodate as many as 11,000 passengers per hour and almost 45 million passengers annually. This amounts to 59 aircrafts at a time.
The covered area is 700,000 sq. m. Passengers will find retail outlets, restaurants, cafes, hospitality lounges and a hotel here. Moreover, the latest technologies have been employed at the terminal, including facial recognition to reduce airport queue times, an extensive baggage handling system and a Smart Travel System.
The system involves five steps:
- Self Check-In
- Self Bag Drop
- E-Registration
- E-Border Gate
- Self Boarding
The opening of Zayed International Airport Terminal A has elevated the service level significantly.
OTHER FACILITIES AT AUH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Zayed International Airport boasts top travel facilities at the arrival and departure gates. Take a look at what this airport in Abu Dhabi has to offer.
ABU DHABI DUTY FREE
Located at Central Processor (towards Pier D), Abu Dhabi Duty Free is the perfect spot to get some shopping done. Check out these Abu Dhabi airport shops to buy your favourite fragrances, watches, jewellery, souvenirs, toys, and other products from international and local brands.
SHOPS
Here you can look at the shops you will find at the airport.
- Airportray
- Bag Wrap
- Bottega Veneta
- Capi
- dU
- Etisalat
- Virgin Mobile
- Habanos
- Le Club
- Muji
- Pure Gold Jewellers
- Salvatore Ferragamo
- Scent
- Pink
- The Souq
- Bath & Body Works
- Le Gourmet
- WHSmith
- Zenith
- Fendi
- Footlocker
- Hermes Paris
- Kenzo
- Micheal Kors
- Ralph Lauren
- Victoria’s Secret
- Balenciaga
- Bally
- Burberry
- Bvlgari
- Coach
- Claire’s
- Gucci
- Longines
PHARMACY
- Boots
AUH AIRPORT LOUNGES
One of the best things to do at the Abu Dhabi airport is to unwind in the airport lounges.
Abu Dhabi’s airport lounges are ideal for travellers who want to experience premium hospitality services. Lounges offer guests complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi and shower facilities. These Abu Dhabi airport services are extremely useful for passengers who want to rest before catching their long-haul flights.
Here’s a list of the AUH Airport Lounges:
- Diamond Lounge
- Pearl Lounge
- Salam Meet & Assist Services
- Etihad Airways First Class Lounge
- Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge
- Etihad US Premium Lounge
RESTAURANTS IN ABU DHABI AIRPORT
Whether you want a quick bite or an entire meal, there are plenty of restaurants at the airport.
Here’s a list of Abu Dhabi airport restaurants where you can dine while waiting for a flight or returning home after a long journey.
- Bottega Bar
- Brioche Dorée
- Culto Cafe
- Jones The Grocer
- Lulu Roastery
- Meat District
- Pana
- Puro Gusto
- Shawa
- SO! Coffee
- Starbucks
- The Daily
- The Majlis
- Todd English Pub & Market
- Urban Food Market
- Vit
FAQs ABOUT ABU DHABI (AUH) INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
WHAT SERVICES CAN I EXPECT AT THE AIRPORT?
Besides the aforementioned services, there is free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms, smoking rooms, baby changing rooms, showers, cash machines, currency exchanges and more.
Plus, there is baggage wrap, porter service, Morafiq remote check-in and Al Ssaada Transactions and follow-up centre.
WHAT’S THE ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CODE?
The IATA code for Zayed International Airport is “AUH” and the ICAO code for the Abu Dhabi airport is “OMAA”.
HOW MANY AIRPORTS DOES ABU DHABI HAVE?
There are five airports in Abu Dhabi.
- Zayed International Airport
- Al Ain International Airport
- Al Bateen Executive Airport
- Sir Bani Yas Island Airport and
- Delma Island Airport
ARE THERE ANY HOTELS NEAR ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
As mentioned, there is the AUHotel located within the airport. Moreover, Aerotel Abu Dhabi and Premier Inn Abu Dhabi are popular hotels near AUH Airport.
WHAT CAN I DO WHEN IN TRANSIT AT THE AIRPORT IN ABU DHABI?
You can relax at premium lounges, shop at the Duty Free, or grab a bite at any of the cafés and restaurants. If your transit time exceeds four hours, you can apply for a transit visa and explore all the free things to do in Abu Dhabi.
WHAT ITEMS ARE BANNED AT THE AUH AIRPORT?
Items banned in Abu Dhabi are similar to the banned items at DXB Aiport. The list includes but is not limited to narcotic drugs, weapons, duplicate or forged currency, goods from boycotted countries, certain medicines and even live animals such as bats and swine. Please check the official airport website for details.
HOW CAN I GET A VAT REFUND AT THE AIRPORT?
Tourists should visit tax refund service counters at the Abu Dhabi airport for VAT refund.
WHERE IS THE LOST AND FOUND COUNTER AT THE AIRPORT?
There is a pre-immigration counter and one post-immigration desk to locate missing items and luggage at the AUH airport.
- Pre-immigration: Level 0 – Arrivals Concourse
- Post-immigration: Level 3 – Departures
CAN I FIND PARKING AT THE ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
Yes, you can. Zayed International Airport parking fees start from AED 15 and can go up to AED 125 if you park for the whole day.
HOW CAN I CONNECT TO THE ABU DHABI AIRPORT WI-FI?
You can connect to the Wi-Fi by using the following steps:
- Open your settings and search for the available wireless networks from your device or laptop.
- Choose the network named “Zayed International Airport Free Wi-Fi”.
- After being redirected to the welcome screen, choose “ACCEPT”.
- Once you fill in the required details, you will have internet access.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE ABU DHABI AIRPORT?
For urgent queries, travellers can call the Abu Dhabi Airport phone number +971-2-505-5555. This line is available to passengers 24/7.
That concludes this Abu Dhabi airport guide. We hope this is informative enough to plan your next trip to the UAE. The capital city has a lot to offer tourists. But before you go, check out the amazing attractions in Abu Dhabi you can visit while in the city.
