ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of the fastest growing aviation hubs in the world, serving over 116 destinations in 58 countries. In 2015 over 23 million passengers used the airport, and the numbers are expected to rise to 40 million in the next few years.
The airport was awarded the Skytrax “Best Airport in the Middle East” for the third year running in 2015. Here’s why it is a class apart:
1) Smart Travel System:
It is the long cumbersome procedures at the airport that take all the fun out of travelling. But when you are flying from Abu Dhabi international airport you don’t have to waste time checking in your luggage, waiting for a boarding pass or for passport verification. The newly-introduced Smart Travel System will let you zoom through all travel formalities with the help of a set of self-service procedures that include bag drop, electronic check-in, e-gate and self-boarding.
2) Spa treatment:
There is no better time to pamper yourself than when you are waiting to board a flight. Choose from a range of luxurious spa treatments or a 15-minute express beauty service from the Six Senses Spa located at the Etihad Diamond or Pearl Business Class lounge. Economy travellers wishing to unwind and rejuvenate before boarding their flight can step into Tosa Spa at Terminal 1.
3) GoSleep sleeping pods:
Fancy catching 40 winks between your flights? At Abu Dhabi airport, you don’t have to slouch on a couch to get that much needed rest before you take the next flight. There are 50 sleeping pods placed at various points that can transform into closed cocoon-shaped cushy flatbeds to give you a quiet time. You can set an alarm, plug in your mobile phone and say goodnight to the busy world outside. An hour in the pod costs Dh50.
4) CNN café:
Terminal 3 has got the best fix for all the news savvy travellers. Catch up with news around the world at CNN Traveller café that features HD screens and integrated audio systems for each table as well as online, social and visual CNN content displayed on their media wall. You can also catch the latest news headlines streaming on the HD screen above the serving counter. All of this while you enjoy local specialities or a selection of sandwiches, all-day breakfast and wraps.
5) VIP Terminal:
This is for those who like to travel in style, experience new heights of exclusivity and comfort. The VIP Terminal offers you the ultimate experience in luxury, privacy and security if you are willing to spend Dh2,000 (for two people travelling together). Besides private check-in and immigration facilities, you will get a chauffeur-driven Mercedes to drop you from the terminal gate to the aircraft gate, complimentary snacks and canapes at the touch of a button, private shower and even a bouquet of flowers to bid you goodbye or welcome.
6) Gold Meet and Greet Assist services:
Want a red carpet welcome where every nitty gritty is taken care of from the moment you step off the aircraft till you exit the airport including your baggage collection and immigration? The Gold Meet and Greet’s range of services includes delivery of baggage to your hotel, arranging your international driving licence and even getting you a new SIM card when you land in the UAE. Prices range from Dh150 to Dh600.
7) Etihad Diamond First Class lounge:
Walk into the five star comforts of Etihad Diamond First Class lounge at Terminal 1 and spoil yourself with the best of services. You can choose from a splendid à la carte menu; watch your favourite movie or TV programme on a flat screen with individual headsets. With Macs, free broadband internet access as well as printing facilities available, staying in touch is easy. You can take a nap on one of the two beds and take a shower and have your clothes ironed and shoes polished.
