Abu Dhabi airport's new terminal put to the test

The $3bn building created to serve 45 million people a year was assessed by 6,000 volunteers

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

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

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

At 742,000 square metres, it is one of the largest airport terminals in the world. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports