Abu Dhabi Airports has marked the first anniversary of Zayed International Airport (AUH), highlighting some of the airport’s key achievements and future growth plans. In just twelve months, the airport has established itself as a leading global hub, driven by a strategic vision, strong partnerships and a continued pursuit of innovation.
This has led to impressive growth, with the airport recognized as the Middle East’s fastest-growing in terms of international seat capacity, attracting travelers from around the world and affirming its place on the global stage. With a week of festivities for staff and stakeholders, the airport celebrated a year of remarkable achievements, successes and ambitious goals for the future.
“This first year of operation has been nothing short of extraordinary. We have not only met but exceeded our expectations, thanks to the dedication of our team, especially our talented Emirati colleagues, and the strength of our partnerships,” stated Elena Sorlini, managing director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.
Stellar guest satisfaction rating
From passenger experience to cutting-edge technology and robust infrastructure, Zayed International Airport has consistently prioritized excellence. In less than a year, the airport achieved a 4.7 out of 5 guest satisfaction rating.
This is reflected in the prestigious ACI Level 1 and re-awarded Level 2 Accreditation and further enhanced by initiatives like the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, the Sensory Room, and the Service Pet Relief area. Passenger convenience is also paramount, with a successful car parking campaign, an intuitive online booking system, and the opening of the AUHotel all contributing to a smoother travel experience.
During the first half of 2024, the airport facilitated 13,726,550 passengers, marking a 33.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
“Zayed International Airport stands as a national asset, a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders. Now, we embark on a new mission towards 2029, committed to continuing this trajectory of growth and innovation and setting new benchmarks for the aviation industry” she added.
World’s most beautiful airport
The airport was also recently crowned “World’s Most Beautiful Airport” at the Prix Versailles, The World Architecture and Design Award, in recognition of its outstanding architectural design in the Airports category.
The airport spans 742,000 square meters, boasting a distinctive X-shaped design, equipped to accommodate up to 11,000 travelers per hour and 79 aircraft simultaneously. This expansion has doubled its previous capacity, preparing the airport to manage up to 45 million passengers annually, pioneering the world’s first nine biometric touchpoints by 2025.
In the second phase of expansion, capacity will grow to 65 million passengers, up from 45 million currently, in line with Etihad Airways’ plans to triple the number of passengers to 33 million and double its fleet to 150 planes by 2030.
Tech adoption for smoother operations
Innovation is also at the heart of Zayed International Airport’s operations. The Smart Travel Project, in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), is transforming travel with its biometric technology. The majority of touchpoints are already operational and the remainder is due by 2025.
This commitment to innovation extends to infrastructure, with the completed Northern Runway Rehabilitation (NRR) project ensuring smooth operations and supporting future expansion. Furthermore, the new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Zayed International Airport, unique in the Middle East and Asia, strengthens the airport’s global connectivity and streamlines preclearance for US-bound passengers.
Read: Saudi Arabia’s King Fahd International Airport hits 12 million passenger milestone in 2024
Key player in Abu Dhabi’s growth
Beyond its operational successes, Zayed International Airport is a catalyst for economic growth. The groundbreaking of the Al Falah development within the Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) is a significant step towards broadening the airport’s economic impact and contributing to Abu Dhabi’s diversified growth strategy.
The airport’s resilience was also evident during April’s severe weather, with the Terminal Operations Team’s swift response ensuring continuous service. Looking ahead, Zayed International Airport is focusing on innovation, passenger experience and sustainable growth, solidifying its position as a premier global aviation hub.
