Two new contemporary interim terminals at Abu Dhabi International Airport are now fully operational after being delivered by Scadia (Supervision Committee for the expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport) to the Abu Dhabi Department of Civil Aviation in a record six months.
"This is a major feat by any international standards," said Khalifa Al Mazroui, Scadia chairman. "It ushers in a new era of world-class aviation facilities for Abu Dhabi."
The Dh130 million Terminal 1A and Terminal 2 are the initial components of an ambitious Dh21 billion ($6.8 billion) redevelopment of Abu Dhabi International Airport and are key to the airport's future expansion in the face of passenger capacity overload.
A further Dh100 million has also been committed for the construction of nine new Code E/F aircraft hard stands, the first phase of which is now operational, including two stands designed to handle the new, next generation Airbus A380 double-decker airliner. The two terminals have increased the airport's capacity by three million passengers per year.
They are designed to smooth passenger flow and relieve pressure of high density flights from the existing airport, until the mega Midfield Terminal Complex is complete in 2010.
"This is a beginning to transform Adia into a leading international aviation hub, which will meet projected demand for the next 50 years. The next few months will see more key developments to cater to a capacity of 20 million passengers by the end of the decade," said Al Mazroui.
The 12,000 square metre Terminal 2, which services 12 airlines, has a dedicated first and business class lounge, 18 check-in counters and 20 arrival and eight departure passport booths.
The two million passenger per year terminal includes a sophisticated baggage handling system incorporating three level screening facilities with state-of-the-art X-ray machines to enhance passenger convenience and safety. It also includes an electronic departure passport booth, duty free, cafeteria, customs and immigration offices.
Terminal 1A has been dedicated to Gulf Traveller, which operates to 45 destinations from Abu Dhabi, with its fleet of twin-engine, Boeing 767-300 short-to-medium range narrow-bodied aircraft.
This 5,000 square metre facility has an annual capacity of one million passengers with nine check-in counters, fast and efficient baggage processing systems, dedicated passport control booths, two departure gates and a spacious departure lounge. A duty free facility offers a wide choice of goods.
"Abu Dhabi International Airport now has the space it needs to grow and continue to provide quality services to passengers and airlines.
These interim facilities will pave the way for the seamless incorporation of the mega Midfield Terminal Complex," added Al Mazroui.
