Abu Dhabi Airport: Massive Hub, Massive Scale

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is the second-largest airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), covering 15,000 acres of land. It is located 16.5 nautical miles from Abu Dhabi and was relocated to the mainland from Abu Dhabi Island in 1982. The airport has undergone significant expansion over the years, with the recent addition of the Midfield Terminal increasing its capacity to over 45 million passengers annually.

Terminals and runways

Zayed International Airport, also known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, is the primary airport serving Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It is the second busiest airport in the UAE and is located 16.5 nautical miles (30.6 km; 19.0 mi) east of Abu Dhabi.

Terminals

Since late 2023, all flights at Abu Dhabi International Airport operate out of Terminal A, with former terminals being closed. Terminal A, previously known as the Midfield Terminal, has a floor area of over 780,000 square meters (8,400,000 sq ft), making it one of the largest airport terminal buildings in the world. It has 49 numbered gates and can handle 11,000 passengers per hour and 79 planes simultaneously. The terminal has been praised for its stunning architecture and ease of navigation, with a wide variety of seating options. However, it lacks standout features and has a limited selection of dining options.

Prior to the opening of Terminal A, Abu Dhabi International Airport consisted of three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 3 was the newest addition, with a duty-free and food court area, and was used almost exclusively by Etihad Airways. Terminal 3 had the capacity to handle 12 million passengers a year on its own.

Runways

Abu Dhabi International Airport currently has two parallel runways in use: runway 13R/31L, 4,205 m × 60 m (13,796 ft × 197 ft), and runway 13L/31R, with identical dimensions. Both runways can accommodate all types of aircraft, including large planes such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.

There are plans to expand the airport further, including the addition of a third parallel runway and a new air traffic control tower. These developments will enhance the airport's capacity and improve its functionality as one of the busiest airports in the Middle East.

Passenger capacity

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH/OMAA) is the primary international airport serving Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is the second busiest airport in the UAE, with 24 airlines flying to 128 destinations.

The airport has witnessed significant growth in passenger traffic over the years. In 1998, it served 3.4 million passengers, which increased to 5.2 million in 2004, 6.7 million in 2006, and 11 million in 2010. To accommodate this growth, the airport expanded with the construction of two new terminals in 2005, increasing its capacity by 3 million passengers annually.

In 2021, the airport registered a total of 5.26 million passengers. However, with the opening of Terminal A in October 2023, the airport's passenger capacity has increased significantly. Terminal A, one of the world's largest terminals, spans 742,000 to 780,000 square meters and can handle up to 45 million passengers annually. This is a substantial increase from the previous capacity, effectively doubling it. The terminal can process 11,000 passengers per hour and simultaneously accommodate 79 flights, ensuring efficient transfers for connecting passengers.

The airport's master plan, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, features an 'X' shape to maximise operational efficiency and improve passenger flow. Terminal A boasts advanced technology, including biometric systems for streamlined screening and boarding, and ample retail and dining options.

The first phase of the midfield terminal complex has a capacity of 20 million passengers per year, and there are plans to double the capacity to 60 million and potentially expand further to 80 million with additional facilities. This expansion project is expected to cost $6.8 billion and includes a new runway, control tower, cargo facilities, and a rail transport system connecting the airport to the city of Abu Dhabi.

Location and accessibility

Zayed International Airport (IATA: AUH, ICAO: OMAA), also known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, is located 16.5 nautical miles (30.6 km; 19.0 mi) east of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The airport covers an area of 15,000 acres (6,000 ha).

The airport was originally located on Abu Dhabi Island and was known as Al Bateen Airport. However, in 1982, the airport was relocated to its current location on the mainland. This relocation addressed accessibility challenges associated with the airport's previous location on the island, which was connected to the mainland by only one bridge. The move also allowed for expansion, as the city of Abu Dhabi was rapidly growing at the time.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is easily accessible from the city of Abu Dhabi and other surrounding areas. It is well-connected to the road network, with highways and expressways providing convenient access to the airport. Additionally, the airport is served by a circular rail transport system, linking it to the city and free trade zones.

The airport is a major hub for travel in the region, serving as the primary international airport for Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. It is the second-largest airport in the UAE and the second busiest, after Dubai International Airport. The airport is served by 24 airlines, including Etihad Airways, which dominates the terminal spaces, and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi. These airlines fly to over 120 destinations in more than 60 countries.

To accommodate the growing number of passengers, Abu Dhabi International Airport has undergone significant expansion and development projects. The new Midfield Terminal, with its large floor area of over 780,000 square meters (8,400,000 sq ft), has increased the airport's passenger capacity to more than 45 million per year, with plans to further expand this capacity to 60 million or even 80 million. The terminal features modern facilities, including biometric technology, and an X-shaped design with 65 aircraft gates.

Airlines and destinations

Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) is the second-largest airport in the United Arab Emirates. It is a hub for several airlines, including Etihad Airways, Etihad Cargo, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. As of March 2025, 35 airlines fly from Abu Dhabi to 190 airports around the world.

In 2023, the busiest destinations served by the airport included London, Mumbai, Kochi, Cairo, and Doha. The airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers, with 5.26 million passengers in 2021, a notable increase from the 3.4 million passengers recorded in 1998. This growth has led to expansion projects, including the construction of Terminal A, which opened in October 2023. Terminal A is among the largest airport terminals in the world, with a floor area of 742,000 square meters, and it increases the airport's capacity to over 45 million passengers annually.

Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has a dedicated Terminal 3 for its arrivals and departures. Gulf Traveller also has a dedicated Terminal 1A, from which it flies to 45 destinations with its fleet of twin-engine, Boeing 767-300 short to medium-range narrow-bodied aircraft. Other airlines serving Abu Dhabi Airport include Emirates, EgyptAir, British Airways, Air France, and SunExpress.

The airport offers a range of services and amenities, including lost and found, restaurants and cafes, shops and duty-free, a luxury shopping area, baggage services, airport lounges, parking services, prayer rooms, and a spa. Additionally, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility in Terminal 3 allows passengers en route to the United States to clear immigration and customs.

Development and expansion

The development of Abu Dhabi International Airport has been ongoing since its relocation to the mainland in 1982. The airport has expanded rapidly since then, with passenger numbers increasing from 3.4 million in 1998 to 25 million in 2017. To accommodate this growth, the airport has undergone significant expansion and development, including the addition of new terminals and runways.

One of the most notable expansion projects was the construction of Terminal 3, which was added to the western side of Terminal 1. This new facility featured a duty-free and food court area, as well as additional departure and bus gates. Terminal 3 was capable of handling larger Airbus A380s and was primarily used by Etihad Airways.

Another significant development is the construction of the new Midfield Terminal, which has increased the airport's passenger capacity to over 45 million per year, with the potential to double that number to 60 million or more. This new terminal covers a floor area of 780,000 square meters, making it one of the largest airport terminal buildings in the world. It is equipped with modern facilities, including biometric technology, and features a unique design with a curved, column-free roof. The Midfield Terminal project is expected to cost $6.8 billion and includes a 12km circular rail transport system connecting the airport to the city of Abu Dhabi and free trade zones.

In addition to terminal expansions, the airport has also invested in other infrastructure improvements. In 2002, a new 4,100-meter runway and taxiway were completed, along with a satellite terminal, rapid transit shuttle, and 18 new aircraft stands. The airport also constructed a new Air Traffic Control Complex (ATCC) in 2010, which stands at 109 meters high and provides an optimal view of the airport's manoeuvring areas.

The ongoing development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport reflect its importance as a major transport hub in the Middle East and the UAE's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure.

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