ALBAWABA - The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has ordered the renaming of Abu Dhabi International Airport to Zayed International Airport. The new official name will come into effect on February 9, 2024, coinciding with the official opening of the new Terminal A.
During the third quarter of the current year, the number of passengers at Abu Dhabi International Airport surged to approximately 5,951,000 travelers, marking a 29.3% growth compared to the same period in the previous year. London was the leading destination from Abu Dhabi during this time.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (Shutterstock)
Abu Dhabi International Airport also recorded 37,903 take-offs and landings during the third quarter of 2023, reflecting a 21.8% growth compared to 31,123 flights during the same period in 2022. In the recent months from July to September, the favorite destinations from Abu Dhabi included Mumbai, Kochi in India, Cairo, and Doha.
Additionally, the emirate of Abu Dhabi witnessed significant growth in international destinations as 24 airlines operated flights to 119 destinations around the world through Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Elena Sorlini, the interim CEO and Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Airports, stated that they continue to attract more leading global airlines to Abu Dhabi. French airlines and Sun Express are scheduled to commence flights through Abu Dhabi International Airport during the winter season as per the International Air Transport Association schedules.
Sorlini also added, "We are pleased to announce that British Airways recently announced their return to Abu Dhabi from April 2024. We are confident that the new Terminal A will contribute to the growth of airlines and passenger traffic, thanks to its new capabilities and modern facilities with international standards."
Abu Dhabi International Airport is preparing to open the new airport terminal, "Terminal A," covering an area of 742,000 square meters, in November, making it one of the largest passenger terminals in the world.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (Shutterstock)
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed, inspected the building on Tuesday, noting that the opening of the new building will contribute to the economic growth in the United Arab Emirates. Today, the first commercial flight from the anticipated new Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport took off. Flight EY224 by Etihad Airways departed from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi, utilizing one of the company's Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, carrying 359 passengers. Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomed the guests who were the first to travel from Terminal A on this flight. The opening ceremony was attended by members of the Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Airport boards, aviation leaders, and among those present were the CEO of Etihad Airways, Antony Douglas Nieves, in addition to Elena Sorlini, the Acting CEO, and Frank McCrory, the CEO of Operations at Abu Dhabi Airports. Once it enters full operation, the new building will serve up to 45 million passengers annually, with the ability to process travel procedures for 11,000 passengers per hour and operate 79 aircraft at all times. Therefore, the new building will contribute to increasing the capacity of Abu Dhabi International Airport, whether for passengers or cargo, as stated by "Abu Dhabi Airports" in a statement.
The new building at Abu Dhabi Airport is designed to reduce its operational carbon footprint. This is evident through the installation of a photovoltaic system on top of the building's car park, which currently operates a solar power station with a capacity of three megawatts, contributing to offsetting approximately 5,300 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.
