If you have a flight in or out of Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in the first two weeks of November, it is essential you check flight information; the new Terminal A Building will open on 1 November 2023.
Staggered Move of Airlines to the New Terminal A at AUH
The 28 airlines presently operating from Terminals 1-3 will move over to the new Terminal A (previously referred to as Midfields Terminal during construction), with a staggered approach starting from Wednesday, 1 November, so it’s essential to check airline information. The transition timetable that has been provided indicates:
- Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines will commence operating from Temrinal A from 1 November 2023.
- From 9 November, Etihad will commence operating 16 flights from the new terminal, with a staggered move through to 14 November 2023.
- By 14 November, Air Arabia and the remaining 10 operators will all move to Terminal A.
From November 15th onward, all 28 airlines will only operate from Terminal A.
How to Find the New Terminal Abu Dhabi
New signposting for the airport has already commenced, and you will see signage from the old terminal to the new terminal should you arrive in the wrong place.
This map should help you with locating the new airport entrance coming from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain or Dubai. You can also plug in “Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A” to Google Maps or Waze, which are up-to-date and ready to go with passenger drop-off locations.
For any passengers who do find themselves at the wrong terminal during the transition phase, a free inter-terminal shuttle will also be running.
What Can We Expect at the New Terminal A
Terminal A is a new state-of-the-art facility and will become one of the largest passenger terminals in the world. Capable of accommodating 45 million passengers per year, it will double the capacity of the existing Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 1-3 and offers triple the size – including 65 parking stands for planes – so no more taxiing out to your aircraft!
The new airport will include multiple lounges, day spas and an airside hotel – we will report back fully once we’ve had a chance to transit through ourselves in December and report back on the experience!
The new Abu Dhabi airport will initially run 117 weekly routes. We expect this will significantly increase once the new facilities are fully operational, including pre-clearance for flights to the United States – a great added bonus for passengers flying stateside from the Middle East.
Note that AUH – Abu Dhabi International Airport will also be changing its official name to “Zayed International Airport” from February 2024.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
Connecting to Dubai from AUH?
If you need to connect onward to Dubai after landing in Abu Dhabi, please see this detailed guide to using the AUH Express shuttle service (NB, we are advised the coach will run from both airport terminals during the fortnight-long airport transition, this may add a little time to your journey)
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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