As of February 9, 2024, Abu Dhabi International Airport will be known as Zayed International Airport, per an order from United Arab Emirates President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a revered historical figure, is being honored by this name.
New Terminal A to open on November 1
Simultaneously, a brand-new terminal, Terminal A, is set to open for operational activities on November 1, marking a pivotal moment in the airport's history. The official renaming of the airport will coincide with the grand opening ceremony of Terminal A on February 9, 2024.
Etihad Airways inaugurates Terminal A
Etihad Airways celebrated this momentous occasion by operating the first commercial flight from Terminal A. Flight EY224, bound for New Delhi, took off with 359 passengers at 2:35 p.m. This flight signifies the beginning of a new era in the airport's operations.
Two-Week Transition Period
For the initial two weeks, all four terminals at the airport (A, 1, 2, and 3) will operate concurrently, allowing airlines and passengers to adapt to the changes and the newly opened Terminal A.
Exclusive operation from Terminal A
The airport's operations will be streamlined, and the passenger experience will improve as of November 14, when all airlines will begin using Terminal A exclusively.
Etihad's Transition
Etihad Airways has announced that, beginning on November 9, they will begin moving passengers to Terminal A in stages. The airline will use both Terminal A and Terminal 3 from November 9–14. Etihad will operate all flights out of Terminal A starting at 11 a.m. on November 14.
Terminal A: A Hub for Millions
Terminal A, covering a substantial area of 742,000 square meters, boasts an annual passenger capacity of up to 45 million. It is designed to accommodate 28 airlines, connecting Abu Dhabi to 117 destinations worldwide.
Etihad's Excitement
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed his excitement about the transformation and commended the visionary leadership in Abu Dhabi for creating one of the world's most impressive airports. Terminal A, with its stunning architecture, offers an exceptional travel experience to passengers, setting a new standard in the aviation industry.
A Vision of Growth and Prosperity
This renaming and the addition of Terminal A are consistent with Abu Dhabi's commitment to a future characterized by growth and prosperity and its vision for sustainable urban development.