The convenience of check-in facilities, among others, at the Abu Dhabi Airport City Terminal has dramatically increased demand, with passengers choosing to avoid the hassles of queuing at the airport.

Passengers travelling from Abu Dhabi Airport can check in their baggage and get hold of their boarding passes up to 24 hours before the flight.

Some 6,431 passengers with more than 11,000 pieces of luggage checked in at the city facility in June this year, a monthly record since the opening of the facility in 1999.

"Getting to the airport can be a hassle, especially if you have a lot of baggage and don't want to waste your time at the airport to ensure a timely check-in," said an official at the facility.
"More people are making use of the facility because it has many advantages," he said.

The facility, which is located in Abu Dhabi's Tourist Club area, allows travellers to confirm their seats and reach the airport only an hour before the departure of their flight.

Authorities at the Department of Civil Aviation have planned an expansion of the City Terminal area for the storage of luggage, the official told Gulf News. In addition, further security measures have been implemented for baggage screening to ensure the safety of passengers.

An X-ray machine has been placed at the entrance of the terminal to screen both hand baggage and personal effects.

"The facility will be refurbished to increase the amount of luggage that the terminal can handle and ease check-in procedures," said the official.

A special limousine transfer service and shuttle buses connecting the terminal to the airport are also available.

The terminal has also recently been expanded to include a fully equipped business centre and lounges with shower facility. There are eight airlines operating from the Terminal.