Abu Dhabi airport's new terminal put to the test


  • English
  • Arabic

Trial operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport's Midfield terminal building have begun ahead of opening in November.

More than 6,000 volunteers took part in the airport's largest trial and test exercise to date.

All systems including check-in and baggage handling, security screening, boarding gates, immigration were stringently tested.

Volunteers assessed the speed and accuracy of check-in, including document and customs inspections.

They also tested boarding routines and assessed flight information procedures.

“Our commitment to excellence has driven our journey to prepare for Terminal A's opening, as we are focused on conducting extensive, large-scale assessments to ensure the speed, efficiency and delivery of operations,” said Elena Sorlini, managing director and interim chief executive at Abu Dhabi Airports.

“I would like to thank the volunteers who have participated in these trials for their unwavering support as we gear up to welcome passengers to Terminal A in November.”

The building is expected to accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year, process 11,000 travellers an hour and operate 79 aircraft at any given time.

At 742,000 square metres, it is one of the largest airport terminals in the world and will increase Abu Dhabi International Airport's passenger and cargo capacity significantly.

Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi will be moving to Terminal A on opening.

Construction began in 2012 and it was originally scheduled for completion in 2017.

  • Trial operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport's new terminal have begun ahead of opening in November. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
    Trial operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport's new terminal have begun ahead of opening in November. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
  • More than 6,000 volunteers took part in the airport's largest trial and test exercise to date. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
    More than 6,000 volunteers took part in the airport's largest trial and test exercise to date. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
  • All systems including check-in and baggage handling, security screening, boarding gates and immigration were stringently tested. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
    All systems including check-in and baggage handling, security screening, boarding gates and immigration were stringently tested. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
  • Construction began in 2012 and the new terminal was originally scheduled for completion in 2017. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
    Construction began in 2012 and the new terminal was originally scheduled for completion in 2017. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National
  • Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia will be moving to the new Terminal A in November. Delores Johnson / The National
    Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Air Arabia will be moving to the new Terminal A in November. Delores Johnson / The National
  • At 742,000 square metres, it is one of the largest airport terminals in the world. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
    At 742,000 square metres, it is one of the largest airport terminals in the world. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

How%20to%20avoid%20getting%20scammed
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3ENever%20click%20on%20links%20provided%20via%20app%20or%20SMS%2C%20even%20if%20they%20seem%20to%20come%20from%20authorised%20senders%20at%20first%20glance%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAlways%20double-check%20the%20authenticity%20of%20websites%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEnable%20Two-Factor%20Authentication%20(2FA)%20for%20all%20your%20working%20and%20personal%20services%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOnly%20use%20official%20links%20published%20by%20the%20respective%20entity%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EDouble-check%20the%20web%20addresses%20to%20reduce%20exposure%20to%20fake%20sites%20created%20with%20domain%20names%20containing%20spelling%20errors%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A

Miss Granny

Director: Joyce Bernal

Starring: Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Xian Lim, Nova Villa

3/5

(Tagalog with Eng/Ar subtitles)

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

Updated: September 18, 2023, 12:50 PM