Dubai: Six large consortia have submitted bids to build Abu Dhabi International Airport's Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC) - part of the airport's Dh25 billion redevelopment plan. 

Al Habtoor - Murray & Roberts  - Hochtief JV; Bechtel – ENKA - Al Jaber Group JV;  Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd -Kumho Industrial Co.- China State - Al Shafar JV; Larsen Toubro – NPC-Joannou & Paraskevaides (Overseas) Ltd JV; Samsung- ACC – Six Construct JV; and TAV - CCC - ATC JV have submitted bids for the project that will drastically increase the passenger handling capacity at the UAE capital city's main aviation gateway.

The estimated cost of the project was estimated to be around $3.2 billion (Dh11.7 billion).

Key component

The Midfield Terminal Building, which is expected to go live in the first half of 2017, is the key component of the development programme at the airport and it will contribute to the long-term success of the aviation sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the world, with growth rates of 19.7 per cent over the last five years, spurred by the rapid growth of its hub airline, Etihad Airways, and the increasing attraction of Abu Dhabi as a destination for business and leisure. 

Robust growth

Growth over the next 20 years is forecasted to be robust, and additional facilities are required to accommodate the traffic demand.

The 700,000sq m terminal building is one of the most crucial projects to be undertaken in Abu Dhabi and the UAE and will initially handle 27-30 million passengers per year.

The receipt of tenders represents a key milestone for the Emirate in its drive to develop a world-class air transportation hub.

Chairman of ADAC, H.E. Khalifa Al Mazrouei said "ADAC’s commitment continues as it strives to sustain growth in passenger numbers by constantly planning major developments and improvements across the airports’ infrastructure, facilities and services”.

Construction due to begin 2012

Following commencement of extensive site preparation and foundation works in 2010, construction of the Midfield Terminal building is planned to commence during the 2nd quarter of 2012 to become the future home of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and the primary gateway to the Emirate.

“The MTC’s terminal building will be the largest in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and one of the region’s most architecturally impressive structures,” said a spokesperson.

It will be between 630,000 and 702,369sq m in size, and visible from more than 1.5km away.

Three full-sized football fields

The central space of the terminal building could hold three full-sized football pitches and features a ceiling 52m tall at its highest point.

The complex will include 20,000-25,000sq m of retail and F&B outlets, roughly equivalent to the current size of Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi.

These are set around an 8,400sqm indoor park, another first for the region, which will host Mediterranean plants and features at its centre, and desert landscapes at its edge.

Associated support buildings take up an additional 800,000sq m, and will include access to 16-20 aircraft parking stands dedicated to cargo.