At the heart of our business is the importance we place on the experiences of the travelers passing through our terminals.

Helping to connect people and places is what we do best. As a base for more than 52 airlines flying to and from some 85 cities in over 49 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 13.9% rise in 2011, a year in which our dedicated team efficiently saw over 12.4 million passengers on their way or welcomed them home. In 2012, the Capital’s Airport saw another double digit increase of 18.9% as it handled 14.7 million passengers.

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 12.5 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 up market restaurants and cafés. 
In 2011 ADAC took on the initiative of major refurbishments works 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.

The airport is also working on capacity enhancement programs to increase capacity to 17 million by the time the new Midfield Terminal Complex is open by 2017.

The 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) . 

A passenger-centred perspective

We have received numerous international accolades over the years, but amongst those we are proudest of is our 2011 Skytrax Best Airport in the Middle East – where it was ranked as the second top performing amongst all airports in the Middle East. During 2012, the Capital’s Airport has won once again the Skytrax award for “Best Airport in the middle East” along with the “Cargo Airport of the World” from Cargo News.

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 maneuver in low visibility conditions. The runway is qualified to be operational in reduced visibility up to a minimum o