Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - As Abu Dhabi International Airport gears up for the increase in traffic over the peak summer period, passengers can expect an additional level of service and assistance and genuine UAE welcome as it commences its Emirati “Student Ambassador Programme”.

Student Ambassadors in classroom training session

Predominantly made up of first-year university students drawn from across the Emirate and UAE capital, Abu Dhabi Airports Company recently set about inviting UAE nationals to take part in its ‘Ambassador Programme’ initiative – invoking the opportunity to present themselves as genuine customer service representatives and the ‘face’ of their country to passengers travelling through the airport this summer.

For the two and a half month peak travel period, ADAC will deploy around 70 ambassadors at the airport who will be on hand to assist, direct and educate travellers on issues relating to transiting through the airport as well as the UAE’s capital city and Emirate as a whole.

“Passengers are reminded to consider a number of travel arrangements before setting off during the peak summer period so as to ensure they enjoy the usual smooth and easy flow through Abu Dhabi Airport,” said Massimiliano Dosi, Chief Operations Officer – ADAC.

The recent and rapidly increasing fuel price is affecting the whole airline industry and indicates that luggage weight will be of even greater importance than usual for this summer’s travel and ADAC officials are keen to stress to passengers that they weigh both their hold and hand luggage before getting to the airport.

Abu Dhabi International Airport applies, as do other GCC airports, a baggage weight limitation of 32kg per piece, requiring the passengers to repack the excess weight. For clarity, it has to be highlighted that limitation does not affect the airline baggage allowance highlighted in the passenger ticket. Exceeding such limits passengers are typically required to pay an excess baggage fee that may vary from airline to airline and sector of travel. Considering the increase in fuels prices, ADAC has suggested that passengers expect a very strict application of the baggage allowance to be applied by the airlines this summer.

Etihad Airways, the National Airline of the UAE and home-based carrier at Abu Dhabi Airport, operates a three-tier system related to the three travel classes with hold luggage allowances set at 20kg (economy) 30kg (business) and 40kg (first class); hand luggage follows a 7-12-12 (kg) split respectively. Passengers travelling with other airlines over the summer period are advised to check airline limits when booking or before arriving at the airport for any variance.

Liquid, aerosol and gas (LAG) allowances in hand-luggage, as introduced internationally last year, remain in force and ADAC recommends that the easiest travel solution is to place all non-essential items in the main hold luggage.

For passengers wishing to take LAG items (cosmetics, toothpaste, hair gels) on board ADAC advises that no more than five separate containers of a maximum of 100mls are permitted. These items should be placed into a transparent, one-litre size bag (max.) and carried separately from hand luggage when passing through designated check points.

In order to clarify a common issue relating to LAG allowances, Abu Dhabi Airport officials have stated an example that a 200ml container carrying only 100ml of liquid would not qualify – it is the containers that must have no more capacity than 100ml each.

Peak travel periods often attract a number of non-travelling persons to Abu Dhabi Airport in the form of family members and well-wishers. In looking to ensure that passengers maintain an easy and smooth flow through the terminals, ADAC has highlighted that taking advantage of the free 15 minutes of parking at both Terminal 1 and 2 will allow time to bid their farewells, at the entrance to the terminals, while non-passengers benefit from the temporary free parking access.

Non travelling visitors to the airport should note that parking fees, adjusted on 1 June, are set at AED 10 and AED 5 per hour at Terminal 1 and 2 car parks respectively.

For those looking for the simplest, most effective and hassle-free travel through the airport, the e-card offers a fast-track process that – once registered – allows passengers to pass through the immigration process with a simple finger print.

E-card issuance offices are open 24 hours so can be applied for at any time during your travel time at Abu Dhabi Airport.

“The Student Ambassador Programme having been over-subscribed shows the eagerness of UAE nationals to do their part in presenting a genuine Emirati welcome to passengers at Abu Dhabi Airport. I am sure their contribution will be crucial in ensuring the airport maintains the high standards of customer service during what is the highest influx of passengers to the airport in the year,” said Dosi.

Based on Abu Dhabi International Airport’s growth figures in the year to date (approx. 35 percent), traffic from June through August could be set to top 2.6 million passengers this summer.