Abu Dhabi's Airport: What You Need To Know

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is served by the award-winning Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport). Located 30.6km from the city, it is the second busiest airport in the UAE, flying to 117 destinations across 56 countries. The airport is the hub for Etihad Airways and is served by 24-30 airlines. Zayed International Airport features the spectacular Terminal A, which opened in November 2023, as well as Terminal 1. The airport boasts plush Etihad lounges, an award-winning check-in, and a library between Terminals 1 and 3.

Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International Airport)

The airport was first conceived in 1974, in response to the government's plans to modernise the then-new nation. At the time, Al Bateen Airport (then called Abu Dhabi International Airport) was the main international airport serving the city, but it was located on Abu Dhabi Island and was hard to access. Construction of the new airport began in 1979 and it was inaugurated on 2 January 1982. The old airport's name was changed to Al Bateen Airport, and the new airport was given the name Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Since its opening, the airport has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. In 2003, Etihad Airways was founded and made the airport its base. A second runway was opened in October 2008, and Terminal 3, a AED 1 billion (US$270 million) interim facility, was opened in January 2009. The new terminal boosted the airport's passenger capacity to 12 million per year.

In early 2023, it was announced that a new passenger terminal, known as the Midfield Terminal, would open by the end of the year. The Midfield Terminal has increased the airport's passenger capacity to more than 45 million per year, with options to double this capacity to 60 million. The new terminal features modern and advanced facilities, including biometric technology for faster screening and boarding processes.

On 9 February 2024, Abu Dhabi International Airport was renamed Zayed International Airport after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founder. The airport has won awards for its architectural design and has been recognised for providing a world-class experience to its passengers.

Etihad Airways' base

Zayed International Airport (formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport) is the primary international airport serving Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is the second busiest airport in the UAE and serves as the base for several airlines, including Etihad Airways.

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the UAE, with its home base in Abu Dhabi. The airline was established in 2003 through a royal decree and has since become one of the fastest-growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation. It has a fleet of over 125 aircraft and serves an international network of more than 120 destinations in over 60 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.

As the national carrier of the UAE, Etihad Airways is a significant operator at Zayed International Airport. The airline primarily utilises Terminal 3, a state-of-the-art facility designed to accommodate the Airbus A380. This terminal has boosted the airport's annual passenger capacity and provides enhanced facilities for travellers. Etihad Airways also has a strong presence in the newly opened Terminal A, which has further expanded the airport's capacity and improved the overall travel experience.

In addition to its flight operations, Etihad Airways is committed to providing growth and development opportunities for Emirati nationals at all career levels. The airline's base at Zayed International Airport serves as a hub for their operations, offering a personalised travel experience to passengers travelling to and from Abu Dhabi.

Transport to and from the airport

Zayed International Airport (formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport) is located 30.6 km (19 mi) east of Abu Dhabi. It is the second busiest airport in the UAE, serving approximately 25 million passengers in 2017.

There are three options for travelling to and from the airport: taxi, private transfer, or bus. Taxis are the most efficient and comfortable option, with a journey time of around 27-40 minutes in light traffic. Both standard and luxury taxis are available, with luxury taxis offering benefits such as high-quality interiors, extra luggage space, and multilingual drivers. The fare for a taxi is typically around €19.50 (AED 80), and taxis can be booked in advance using the Abu Dhabi Taxi App.

For budget-conscious travellers, the public bus is a more affordable option, with a one-way ticket costing €1 (AED 4). The A1 bus service takes passengers to the Al Zahiyah neighbourhood in approximately 45 minutes, excluding wait times, and operates from early morning until late at night. The A2 bus service connects the airport to the Central Bus Station.

Private transfers offer a direct and fast service similar to taxis, with the added benefit of customisation. These can be booked in advance and offer features such as guaranteed on-time pickups, an English-speaking driver, and a customer service team available 24/7. The cost of a private transfer varies depending on the vehicle, with a sedan for 3 passengers priced at €35 (AED 143.10) and an 8-seater minivan priced at €45 (AED 184).

Terminal A

The terminal features dedicated check-in areas, separate entrances, valet services and recommended parking areas for each cabin. Checking in for an Economy flight is quick and easy with a dedicated entrance through Doors 1–3, 26 check-in desks, 14 biometric-led self-service kiosks, and a conveniently located guest service desk. Business Class flyers also have a separate entrance and immigration lane, allowing them to fast-track through the airport. For First Class and The Residence guests, there is a dedicated check-in area and a dedicated lane for a seamless immigration process.

The airport lounges in Terminal A are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, ensuring that travellers' trips start brilliantly. The First Class and Business Class Lounges are located between Piers C and D, offering various amenities to make travellers' journeys more comfortable and convenient.

The terminal is equipped with modern technology, such as interconnected biometric systems and self-service kiosks, to streamline the travel experience and provide a completely digitised journey.

With its focus on comfort, convenience and connectivity, Terminal A at Zayed International Airport serves as a premier destination for transit and connecting flights.

Airport awards

Zayed International Airport, formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, has won a plethora of awards. The airport has been recognised for its architectural design, branding, and operational achievements. Here are some of the awards bestowed upon the airport:

Architectural Design Awards

World's Most Beautiful Airport Award – Zayed International Airport won the prestigious Prix Versailles award, recognising its outstanding architectural design in the Airports category.

Branding Awards

Transform Awards 2024 – Abu Dhabi Airports secured two silver awards for 'Best Internal Communications During a Brand Development Project' and 'Best Brand Evolution (Corporate)'. They also received a bronze award for 'Best Visual Identity'.

Operational Achievements Awards

• Airport Service Quality Awards – In 2011, the airport was recognised as the second Best Airport in the Middle East by Airports Council International.
• Aviation Achievement Awards 2024 – Abu Dhabi Airports received the "Airport Operator of the Year" award, reflecting their exceptional achievements, growth, and innovation.
• Skytrax Airport Awards – Zayed International Airport was ranked as the world's third-best new airport terminal.

Frequently asked questions