Helping to connect people and places is what we do best. As a base for more than forty airlines flying to and from some eighty cities in over forty-five countries, our objective at Abu Dhabi International Airport is to make passenger journeys smoother, safer and more enjoyable. By adopting the latest technological advancements, upholding the strictest international safety standards and never forgetting the importance of warmth and service, we know this is achievable.
Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, and operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) since 2006, our airport runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In 2008, our passenger traffic increased sharply to a record 9.02 million passengers, up by 30.2% from 6.9 million passengers in 2007. This double digit growth has continued despite difficult global economic conditions, registering a 12.2% rise in 2010, a year in which our dedicated team efficiently saw over 11 million passengers on their way or welcomed them home.
Large-scale, considered growth
As part of our master expansion strategy to accommodate growing passenger numbers, significant projects have been recently completed and others still underway set to turn Abu Dhabi International Airport into a leading gateway connecting east and west.
To accommodate further projected passenger increases on the back of Etihad Airways’ expansion plan, 2009 saw the opening of the much anticipated new Terminal 3 building. Serving as the home of the national flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, the terminal has raised the airport capacity to 12 million passengers per year. Housing the plush Etihad lounges and an award-winning concierge style check-in, the terminal creates a premium travel experience. The impressive retail offering is managed by DFS, the world’s largest luxury retailer, and is complemented by upmarket restaurants and cafés.
In its efforts to continue to offer quality and efficiency in its airport service, ADAC announced the release of a tender for the construction of the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) in January 2011, as the key element of the broader Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), which will include cargo and catering facilities, utilities and related infrastructure. The planned capacity of this facility is expected to reach 27-30 million passengers, gradually increasing to 40 million passengers per annum. Read more about the Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC) .
2011 was also the culmination of major refurbishments to Terminal 1. The new design architecture reflects elements of traditional UAE hospitality together with a high-end, ultramodern ambience, providing passengers with a new 5-star travel experience.
A passenger-centred perspective
We have received numerous international accolades over the years, but amongst those we are proudest of is our 2010 Skytrax Staff Service Excellence Award. Greatly coveted by airports because of the unique recognition it gives to the hard work of their customer facing, front-line staff, the award is based on the votes of more than 9.8 million travellers from 100 different countries.
Committed to delivering the highest levels of passenger safety
In January 2009, Abu Dhabi International Airport was the first airport in the Middle East to receive regulatory approval for enhanced low visibility operations. Known as CAT III B, the classification allows aircraft to land safely and manoeuvre in low visibility conditions. The runway is qualified to be operational in reduced visibility up to a minimum of 125 meters, greatly reducing delays associated with weather conditions such as heavy fog, putting us among a select few airports in the world.
Long-standing relationships
Abu Dhabi International Airport is also the home of prestigious and well established aviation organizations including:
- Royal Jet
With its own VIP Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Royal Jet is an award-winning international luxury flight services provider whose fleet includes six Boeing Business Jets (making it the world's largest independent BBJ operator), two mid-range Gulfstream 300s, a long-range Gulfstream IVSP, a Lear Jet 60 and an Embraer Lineage 1000. Amongst its vast operations, Royal Jet offers luxury VIP aircraft charter, medical evacuation services and fixed base operations, and is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Aviation and the Presidential Flight Authority. - Abu Dhabi Aviation
Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East, employing close to 1,000 staff members including some 130 pilots and over 200 aircraft maintenance engineers. Most of the company’s business activities support offshore oil, engineering and construction companies, among other interests including aerial spraying for the entirety of the UAE’s crops and the majority of the Sultanate of Oman. - Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies
Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies offers technical services for commercial and military aviation operations and is the Middle East's leading independent provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services. With an international client portfolio stretching from Iceland to Sri Lanka, Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies is a member of Mubadala Development Company, a strategic investment and development vehicle established and wholly-owned by the government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Need to know more?
For more information about ADAC, visit www.adac.ae.