Development at a Glance

Track Abu Dhabi International Airport’s milestone achievements

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This timeline tracks some of the significant developments that contributed towards making our airport the thriving travel hub it is today.

Year	Development
1929	Early 'flying boats' operated by the British Royal Air Force use the sheltered coastal waters offshore from what is now the city of Abu Dhabi as their base
1968	Abu Dhabi’s first airport, located in Abu Dhabi city, is opened under the name Al Bateen Airport
1982	The airport is moved to its present location, 32km (20 miles) south east of the city, positioned at latitude 24º 41 (N), longitude 54º 67 (E)
Mid 1990’s	The terminal building is enlarged to accommodate mounting passenger traffic
2004	May: The Supervision Committee for the Expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport (SCADIA) is established to spearhead an ambitious redevelopment programme
2005	August: Renovations and expansion works on Terminal 1 are completed. September: The new Terminal 2 is inaugurated
2006	**March:Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is incorporated by Emiri Decree to lead the development of the Emirate's aviation industry July: A contract for the design of a new air traffic control tower is signed August: London-based architectural firm KPF is commissioned to lead the design of the new Midfield Terminal Complex September: A contract is signed, initiating the design of Terminal 3 September:** ADAC officially assumes control of the Abu Dhabi and Al Ain airports
2007	*July: Advanced aviation security measures are implemented at Terminal 2. December*: ADAC awards an in-flight catering contract to LSG Sky Chefs.
2008	*March: SSP is appointed the exclusive services provider across all food and beverage outlets in Terminal 3 May: Free WiFi Internet access is provided to passengers in all airport terminals July:* Abu Dhabi International Airport is among the first airports in the world to receive Service Quality Assured certification from Airports Council International (ACI) *September: The airport is fully certified by the General Civil Aviation Authority October: A second runway is opened to cater to increased traffic December: ADAC takes over the management of Sir Bani Yas Island December:* Abu Dhabi International Airport passenger numbers exceed 9 million
2009	*January: Abu Dhabi International Airport receives the Middle East's first regulatory approval for enhanced low visibility operations (classification CAT III) January:* The much anticipated world-class Terminal 3 is opened *August*: Self Check-in facilities are introduced in the departures halls
2010	*June: Abu Dhabi International Airport becomes the first major airport in Middle East to fully implement Barcode Boarding Pass technology July: SITA (CUPPS) passenger processing systems are implemented August: The capital’s airport welcomes its first one million passengers within a calendar month December:* Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomes a record ten million passengers within less than a year
2011	*January: ADAC announces the release of a tender for the new Midfield Terminal Complex March:* Abu Dhabi International Airport receives the coveted 2010 Skytrax Staff Service Excellence Award in recognition of its customer facing staff *April: The launch of an Aviation Navigation Services operation from the new Air Traffic Control Complex May*: The Terminal 1 refurbishment project reaches completion