Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, operates the first commercial flight opening terminal A. Together with Abu Dhabi International Airport, the airline welcomes first guests to the new terminal.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, launched its first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi International’s newly opened Terminal A. The inaugural flight, EY224 to New Delhi, departed October 31 at 14:35 aboard an Airbus A350-1000 with 359 passengers on board.
- The first commercial flight from Terminal A, Etihad flight EY224, operated as a special ceremonial flight to India.
- Check your terminal- Etihad flights will steadily transition to Terminal A between 9 and 14 November.
- From 11 a.m. on 14 November, all Etihad Airways flights will depart and arrive at Etihad’s new home, Terminal A
Passengers were delighted to experience the seamless check-in process at Terminal A, giving them the exclusive opportunity to be among the first guests at the new flagship Etihad Lounges. These luxurious three-floor lounges offered a special celebratory menu and a unique photo booth experience.
Etihad Airways First Flight in Abu Dhabi International Terminal A
The ceremonial flight was inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Etihad and Abu Dhabi Airport Board members, CEO Antonoaldo Neves, and other aviation leaders.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad, expressed excitement about this significant moment in Etihad’s history and commended the visionary leadership of Abu Dhabi in creating a stunning terminal that elevates the travel experience for guests.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports highlighted the historic significance of the first flight from Terminal A and emphasized its contribution to Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector growth.
Etihad Airways at Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A
Terminal A is a cornerstone of Etihad’s growth strategy, with the capacity to handle up to 45 million passengers annually and connect Abu Dhabi to 117 global destinations. The terminal features dedicated check-in desks for Economy guests, as well as exclusive areas for Business and First Class travelers.
Etihad’s new airport lounges offer a range of dining options, a rooftop cocktail bar, relaxation spaces, and entertainment facilities. Additionally, the lounges provide direct boarding access for three aircraft, ensuring a smooth and convenient experience for passengers.
Etihad will gradually transition its flights to Terminal A starting from November 9th. Passengers must check their terminal information within two days of travel for accurate details. By November 14th at 11 a.m., all Etihad flights will operate from Terminal A.
For more information on Etihad’s service at Abu Dhabi Terminal A, visit etihad.com/TerminalAinfo.
Inside the New Abu Dhabi Terminal A
Abu Dhabi is all set to boost its position as a major aviation hub with the inauguration of Terminal A. This new terminal will greatly increase passenger capacity and provide a seamless travel experience for all visitors.
To ensure its smooth functioning, over 11,000 volunteers from the local community participated in operational trials. This guaranteed that the terminal was fully prepared for its public opening in November. Following Etihad Airways’ first flight, other airlines will launch service over the next two weeks.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports, said:
“We will see a rapid increase in the number of flights operating from Terminal A as of November 1st to the 14th, and I’m excited by the new opportunities and experiences which the iconic facility will bring to both airlines and passengers. Terminal A will drive the growth of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi and play an instrumental role in welcoming more businesses and tourists to the emirate for decades to come.”
A Shopper’s Paradise
Terminal A will soon become a shopper’s paradise, spanning 35,000m2 with 163 retail stores and food & beverage options. From high-end brands like Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Ferragamo to the unique offerings at the world’s first Muji airport store, Terminal A has something for everyone. Travelers can enjoy a variety of shopping and dining opportunities.
Food, Beverage, and Arabic Hospitality
The Terminal A at the airport offers a variety of food and beverage options to suit different tastes. From popular brands like Jones The Grocer, Taste of India, Starbucks, and the Camden Food Co. to well-known favorites such as McDonald’s and TGI Fridays, there is something for everyone. For a more upscale dining experience, visitors can try Todd English’s restaurant, which serves a diverse range of cuisines. For travelers looking to relax before the flight, there are two health and beauty spas. There is also a 138-bedroom hotel and a comfortable open-air lounge that embodies the warm hospitality of the region.
Prioritizing the Passenger Experience
Terminal A aims to deliver a seamless and hassle-free passenger experience. It will be the first airport worldwide to incorporate all nine biometric touchpoints using facial recognition technology. During the initial phase, key areas like self-service bag drops, immigration eGates, and boarding gates will feature biometric solutions to speed up the process. Once fully operational, Terminal A will minimize wait times with facial recognition for passenger screening.
The airport also boasts advanced facilities. They include a state-of-the-art baggage handling system capable of processing up to 19,200 bags per hour. Additionally, increasing parking stands to 65 will ensure smoother boarding and onward journeys. It reduces congestion and offers a more relaxed boarding experience.
X-Shaped Design Improves Efficiency
The X-shaped building design of Terminal A is not only visually appealing but also practical. It is designed to improve operational efficiency and passenger flow, making it easier for travelers to navigate the airport. The terminal is divided into four themed piers. Each is inspired by different natural landscapes in Abu Dhabi – the desert, sea, city, and oasis.
One of the standout features of Terminal A is the Sana Al Nour, an indoor public art standing 22 meters tall and 17 meters wide.
Terminal A also prioritizes sustainability. By implementing water-saving measures, it aims to reduce water consumption by 45%. Furthermore, the terminal has a 3MW solar power plant with over 7,500 solar panels. This environmentally friendly feature helps save 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
To ensure safe landings even in low-visibility weather conditions, Terminal A boasts the first-of-its-kind Advanced Surface Movement Control System in the Middle East. This advanced system allows planes to land quickly and safely, enhancing flight operations.
When it comes to size, Terminal A is truly impressive. In fact, it is one of the largest airport terminals in the world. Accommodating up to 45 million passengers annually it enhances Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for tourism, trade, and commerce. With flights to 117 destinations worldwide, the terminal opens up new opportunities for travel, business, and entertainment in Abu Dhabi.
