Abu Dhabi Airports welcomes launch of new UAE airline

Abu Dhabi Airports terminal — The terminal, which will be one of the region’s largest, is designed to handle tens of millions of passengers a year, with a baggage handling system that can process almost half a million bags a day. Image Credit: WAM

Dubai: Abu Dhabi Airports said on Wednesday it welcomes the upcoming launch of the UAE capital’s first low-cost airline, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi.

The budget carrier, which was just announced as a joint venture between Etihad Airways and Air Arabia, will be based at Abu Dhabi International Airport, with a launch date yet to be announced.

Abu Dhabi Airports said the new airline is anticipated to “greatly increase the number of destinations served from Abu Dhabi International Airport, offering new choices to passengers to travel directly to previously unserved destinations.”

Bryan Thompson, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said the operator is working in partnership with Etihad and Air Arabia to launch the new airline. He added that he was confident in the opportunities available to low-cost carriers interested in working with Abu Dhabi.