Exactly 11 minutes from plane to exit? Traveller films lightning-fast arrival at Zayed International Airport

Dubai: Clearing immigration, skipping queues, and exiting the airport in just over 11 minutes? That is exactly what one traveller clocked at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) and he filmed every second.

Travel content creator @loungeguru, known for reviewing airport lounges and premium cabins, recently shared a video on Instagram and TikTok showcasing his timed arrival at the capital’s new terminal. Flying in on an Etihad 787, he timed everything from stepping off the plane to walking out the front doors.

The total? 11 minutes and 6 seconds.

“No shortcuts. No VIP treatment. No checked baggage. Just a brilliantly designed terminal, flawless eGates, and passenger flow that puts most airports to shame,” he wrote.

He praised the terminal’s layout, fast-track immigration, and intuitive signage, calling it one of the smoothest airport arrivals he’s ever experienced. “Even the baggage claim area looked calm and organised, though I didn’t use it this time,” he added.

The speed is no accident. In 2024, Abu Dhabi Airports and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) rolled out a cutting-edge biometric Smart Travel system at Zayed International Airport.

The same year, the ICP launched the ‘UAE Fast Track’ app, allowing first-time visitors to pre-register their details for seamless use of the eGates on arrival. If you are flying into the UAE for the first time via Zayed International Airport, pre-registering through the app can get you from gate to curb in minutes.

On May 6, Dubai International Airport (DXB) recently announced that getting through security is set to become much smoother and quicker, thanks to a major upgrade in screening technology installed across all terminals. Getting through security is set to become much smoother and quicker, thanks to a major upgrade in screening technology installed across all terminals.