All about Zayed International Airport’s 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. Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A is a great example of such a futuristic outlook. Let’s look at this massive and course-changing initiative that has enhanced the flying experience for travellers and streamlined operations for airlines
ABOUT TERMINAL A
The second largest among the UAE airports, Zayed International Airport serves 30 airlines travelling to 120 destinations worldwide. Terminal A was previously known as the Midfield Terminal. With it becoming operational near the end of 2023, the other terminals at the airport became backup or are now redundant. Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A 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 serves a huge audience. More than 18,000 sq. m. is dedicated to retail outlets and around 10,000 sq. m. to restaurants and cafés. 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 has started to reduce airport queue times. Furthermore, the Terminal A building at the Zayed International Airport has the most extensive baggage handling system and a Smart Travel System. This system involves:
- Self Check-In
- Self Bag Drop
- E-Registration
- E-Border Gate
- Self Boarding
Expanding a satellite boarding concourse option is also available with the new terminal.
The Terminal A has replaced Terminals 1 and 2. Whereas, Terminal 3 is a standby facility. Terminal A is connected to the other Terminals.
CONSTRUCTION OF ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT’S TERMINAL A
As many as 18,000 people, 42 towers and 35 mobile cranes were used to build this project. The building has a multi-level basement with 69k tonnes of superstructure steelwork forming the base of the huge roof structure. The project’s impact on the environment has been minimised with cutting-edge innovative design. For instance, high-performance angle glass was used to reduce heat and increase air-conditioning efficiencies.
INAUGURATION OF THE ABU DHABI MIDFIELD TERMINAL
Abu Dhabi Terminal A opening date was the 1st of November 2023. A ceremonial Etihad flight flew to mark the occasion. Till the 14th of November, a transition period was observed after regular operations commenced.
More than 11,000 individuals worked tirelessly to ensure that everything worked seamlessly on the day of the inauguration, testing all procedures and processes.
FAQS about Terminal A Zayed International Airport
WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT ZAYED INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL A?
Want to learn about the airport in the UAE capital? Our Zayed 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 Zayed International Airport.
WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT AIRPORTS IN THE UAE?
Check out our guide about airports in the UAE as we present the key details about all the big airports in the country.
That concludes our look at Terminal A at Zayed International Airport. It offers travellers a unique experience and opens up new opportunities for airlines.
Title Image Credit: Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF)
