Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Midfield terminal building is scheduled to begin operating early in November, improving the state’s position as a global hub for business and trade.
The new terminal, which will be known as Terminal A, will be able to accommodate about 45 million passengers per year, process 11 000 travellers per hour and operate 79 aircraft at any one time, reported thenationalnews.com.
"As Abu Dhabi’s new gateway to the world, Terminal A is an embodiment of Abu Dhabi Airports’ commitment to support the emirate’s sustainable economic development," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports.
The terminal covers 742 000 sqm, one of the largest airport terminals in the world, and is expected to significantly increase the airport’s passenger and cargo capacity.
Airlines including Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will move into the new terminal.
According to Etihad CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, the new terminal will allow Etihad Airways to follow through with its next growth phase, which entails expanding its number of passengers to 30 million and its fleet to 150 aircraft by 2030.
Passenger traffic through Abu Dhabi International Airport jumped 67% year-on-year in the first six months of the year as it expanded its route network and added more airline customers.
Abu Dhabi plans to increase the tourism sector's contribution to its gross domestic product to 12% by 2030, up from 5% this year, as the emirate continues to promote itself as a travel and culture destination,
The UAE capital was on track to meet its target of attracting 24 million visitors this year, up from 18 million last year, said the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.
