Abu Dhabi Airports, managing five airports in the emirate, has unveiled impressive passenger traffic results for January to June 2024.
The network saw nearly 14 million passengers, a striking 33.5% increase from the previous year, signalling the region’s growing appeal as a global travel hub.
H1 2024 Highlights
Zayed International Airport (AUH) led the charge, handling over 13.7 million travelers – a 33.8% jump. Flight movements also rose by 24.3%, totaling 84,286 in H1 2024. These figures underscore the airport’s pivotal role in Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector and its increasing importance on the international stage.
New airlines and routes significantly boosted these numbers. US Bangla now flies to Chittagong and Dhaka, while British Airways offers daily London Heathrow flights. This expansion enhances connectivity and services, opening up new possibilities for both business and leisure travelers.
The renamed Zayed International Airport honors UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It skillfully blends Emirati culture with cutting-edge modern design, reimagining the airport experience for the 21st century.
This supports Abu Dhabi’s ambitious goal to become a top global destination and strategic hub for tourism, trade, and connectivity.
New Terminal Facility
Strategically located within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world’s population, the new terminal stands as an architectural marvel. It combines sleek modern materials, abundant natural light, and spacious design, symbolizing Abu Dhabi’s bold vision for the future of aviation.
Designed with innovation and seamlessness in mind, the terminal meets and exceeds high industry standards.
Spanning an impressive 742,000 square meters, it can efficiently handle 79 planes and 11,000 passengers hourly. This effectively doubles the airport’s capacity to 45 million annual passengers, connecting to over 120 destinations via more than 30 international airlines.
The architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates designed the striking X-shaped building for maximum efficiency and passenger flow. Four themed piers creatively reflect Abu Dhabi’s diverse landscapes: desert, sea, city, and oasis, providing a unique sense of place for travelers.
The rebranding celebrates Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage through thoughtful design elements inspired by local icons and landscapes. It warmly invites passengers to create their own stories while experiencing the emirate’s distinct identity and hospitality.
State-of-the-art features elevate the travel experience:
- Cutting-edge biometric technology for faster screening and boarding
- Expansive 35,000 square meters of retail and dining space
- 163 diverse outlets for shopping, dining, and entertainment
- An impressively swift 12-minute kerb-to-gate journey
The Sana Al Nour, a massive and awe-inspiring environmental art piece, weighs 100 tons and uses 1,632 curved glass panels. Its innovative barjeel design improves lighting and ventilation naturally, marrying form and function.
Passenger Check-In Technology
Zayed International pioneers a nine-touch-point facial recognition system for smoother travel, setting a new standard in airport technology.
It boasts an advanced baggage system and augmented reality navigation to further enhance the passenger experience. As one of only 15 airports worldwide, it offers U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance, a significant advantage for U.S.-bound travelers.
Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, expressed her enthusiasm: “Our H1 results clearly demonstrate our continued success in attracting airlines and passengers from around the globe.”
“We are committed to ongoing investment in our facilities and services to further enhance the passenger experience and satisfy both our existing airline partners and discerning customers, as well as attract new ones. These strong results position us exceptionally well for future growth and success in the dynamic aviation landscape.”
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