Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of the emirate’s five airports, has published its passenger traffic and flight movement results for the first half of 2024.
Between January and June 2024, Abu Dhabi’s airport network reached an impressive milestone with passenger traffic reaching almost 14 million, a significant increase of 33.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
Zayed International Airport (AUH) alone handled over 13.7 million passengers, representing a remarkable increase of 33.8 percent. This growth was complemented by a 24.3 percent increase in aircraft movements, with 84,286 movements recorded in the first half of 2024.
In addition to the increase in passenger numbers, Abu Dhabi Airports expanded its customer base by adding new airlines and launching new routes. Notably, US Bangla now offers flights to Chittagong and Dhaka, and British Airways has started daily flights to London Heathrow. The network of destinations continues to grow, improving connectivity and service offerings.
The newly renamed Zayed International Airport is a tribute to the vision of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Built on the richness of Emirati culture and a strong foundation of Arab heritage, it has been designed to redefine the airport experience for passengers and partners, setting new standards in how an airport can enhance a traveller’s journey experience. The airport will play a key role in Abu Dhabi’s plans to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for international visitors and a strategic hub for tourism, trade and connectivity.
Just eight hours’ flight from two-thirds of the world’s population, Zayed International Airport’s new terminal is one of the largest structures of its kind in the world. Featuring a stunning blend of modern materials, natural light and space, the building is the latest addition to Abu Dhabi’s iconic skyline and ushers in an ambitious new era of transport and aviation infrastructure in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The terminal has been designed to provide the most innovative, safe and smooth airport experience, meeting the highest quality and service standards demanded by the aviation industry and passengers. It covers 742,000 square metres of built area and can handle 79 aircraft and 11,000 passengers per hour, doubling the capacity of the old terminals as it can handle up to 45 million passengers per year. From June 2024, it will enable connections to more than 120 major destinations around the world with more than 30 international airlines.
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the X-shaped building improves operational efficiency and passenger flow. It features four themed pillars, each inspired by Abu Dhabi’s natural landscapes of desert, sea, city and oasis. Each pillar points in the direction of the corresponding landscape.
The redesign of Zayed International Airport was designed to celebrate Abu Dhabi’s heritage. The shapes and forms are inspired by the airport’s original landscape and history, as well as the airport itself: a traditional dhow boat, a date palm, the desert sun, Qasr Al Hosn Fort and the iconic terminal building merge into the airport’s logo, proudly expressing Abu Dhabi’s identity while inviting passengers to write their own story.
With world-leading facilities including biometric technology to streamline the screening and boarding process, 35,000 square metres of retail and hospitality space, and 163 outlets for passengers to shop, dine and enjoy, the new terminal enhances the overall experience for all passengers, especially international visitors. Passengers can look forward to a speedy journey as they can go from curb to gate in just 12 minutes, minimising waiting times and maximising efficiency.
The airport is home to one of the largest environmental artworks in the Middle East. The Sana Al Nour weighs approximately 100 tonnes and is made of 1,632 curved glass panels. The traditional Barjeel design channels air and light between the departure and arrival levels, improving daylighting and saving energy through natural ventilation techniques.
Zayed International is the first and only airport in the world to use a facial recognition system with nine touchpoints at different points in the airport experience to reduce waiting times and provide a hassle-free, seamless journey through the airport. A modern baggage handling system can process up to 19,200 bags per hour. Orientation within the airport is made easier by the augmented reality wayfinder, which enables real-time navigation throughout the terminal. It is also the only airport in the region and one of only 15 airports worldwide to offer pre-clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), allowing travelers to bypass security lines upon arrival in the U.S.
Sustainability is a core element of Zayed International, a Green Building with PBRS certification and 3 Pearls at the design stage. Over 90% of the steel and 82% of the wood used in the construction of the new terminal are certified and sustainably sourced, reducing raw material consumption and promoting the circular economy. More than 70% of the plants used in landscaping the terminal area are native and adaptable species that are drought and salt resistant. Water-efficient fittings and fixtures have been installed throughout the airport, resulting in a 45% improvement over Estidama benchmark scores.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The first half results demonstrate the continued success of Abu Dhabi Airports, which continues to attract more airlines and passengers from around the world. Abu Dhabi Airports will continue to invest in its facilities and services to enhance the passenger experience and the wider value proposition to satisfy existing partner airlines and shared customers and to attract new ones. With these strong results, the airports group is well positioned for further growth and success in the future.”
