Business | Aviation
Abu Dhabi airport gets Emirati 'ambassadors'
Abu Dhabi International Airport has launched the Emirati 'Student Ambassador Programme' to assist passengers during the peak summer period.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:54 June 22, 2008
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- ADAC officials emphasise that passengers should weigh both their checked and hand luggage before arriving at the airport.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi International Airport has launched the Emirati 'Student Ambassador Programme' to assist passengers during the peak summer period.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company recently invited UAE nationals to take part in its 'Ambassador Programme' initiative, focusing on first-year university students.
For the two-and-a-half month period, ADAC will deploy about 70 ambassadors who will assist, direct and educate travellers on issues like baggage regulations when transiting through the Abu Dhabi airport.
Surging fuel prices mean that luggage weight will be of even greater importance during the summer. ADAC officials emphasise that passengers should weigh both their checked and hand luggage before arriving at the airport.
Prior checks
Massimiliano Dosi, ADAC chief operations officer, said: "Passengers must consider a number of travel arrangements before setting off during the peak summer period."
Abu Dhabi International Airport applies, as do other GCC airports, a baggage weight limitation of 32kg per piece, requiring the passengers to repack the excess weight.
The limitation does not affect the airline baggage allowance highlighted in the passenger ticket. Passengers exceeding airline weight limits are typically required to pay an excess baggage fee that may vary from airline to airline and sector of travel.
Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, operates a three-tier system related to the three travel classes with hold luggage allowances set at 20kg (economy) 30kg (business) and 40kg (first class); hand luggage follows a 7-12-12 (kg) split respectively.
Passengers travelling with other airlines over the summer period are advised to check airline weight limits when booking.
Peak travel periods often involve many non-travelling persons at Abu Dhabi airport such as family members and well-wishers.
In looking to ensure that passengers maintain an easy and smooth flow through the terminals, ADAC has highlighted that taking advantage of the free 15 minutes of parking at both Terminal 1 and 2 will allow time to bid their farewells, at the entrance to the terminals, while non-passengers benefit from the temporary free parking access.
Non-travelling visitors to the airport should note that parking fees, adjusted on June 1, are set at Dh10 and Dh5 per hour at Terminal 1 and 2 car parks respectively.
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