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Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) announced another major milestone in the development of Abu Dhabi International Airport with the full transfer of flights from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, ensuring smooth transition for all passengers. ADAC also declared the new terminal fully operational. The airport’s new AED 1 billion facility has expanded airport capacity to over 12 million passengers a year, an increase of more than 5 million passengers.
As part of a phased opening strategy, which started in the last quarter of 2008, new terminal facilities have gone through rigorous testing and scrupulous technical assessment to ensure passenger comfort, safety and security.
In the two months that followed, ADAC and Etihad have been working hard to implement the transferring of the majority of Etihad flights from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 and ensure smooth transition for all passengers. It also allowed ADAC to monitor and confirm safety and security measures.
The new terminal has adopted the most advanced airport operations and navigation systems. The company also adopted quality standards that are internationally-recognized to ensure its award-winning security standards are met.
HE Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADAC, said: “Terminal 3 has been eagerly anticipated since its development was first announced. ADAC has worked hard on the design of the new terminal to create an unrivalled passenger experience. It is a unique modern facility that features the latest innovative technology, follows international standards, and offers a premium experience to our passengers with exclusive retail and luxury goods and services.
“The new iconic terminal is the result of years of dedication and constant efforts exerted by dedicated external and internal teams. I cannot but offer my deep gratitude and appreciation to all parties concerned, who worked hard to launch this new terminal that would eventually put the UAE on the world map. I would also like to offer my distinct gratefulness to all parties and individuals working for the Supervision Committee for the Expansion of the Abu Dhabi International Airport, the Abu Dhabi Police General Directorate, represented by the Airport Security Police Department, the Department of Immigration and Passport Control, and the Department of Finance represented by Customs”.
Al Mazrouei described the opening of the new facility as a major leap, taking into consideration its state-of-the-art infrastructure that would match Abu Dhabi’s unparalleled growth in air transport and cargo handling. “T3’s new duty free also offers a first-of-its-kind, premium experience to all passengers through its branded boutiques and other luxury retail outlets,” he pointed out.
He added: “The opening of the new Terminal 3 holds great significance not only for the airport and Etihad’s passengers but also for Abu Dhabi as a world class centre for investment, tourism and commerce. We consider Abu Dhabi’s international airport as a gateway to the region and the world, and the first point of contact with tourists, businessmen, and transit passengers from all over the world. We had foreseen increases in demand and Terminal 3 will help us meet short term needs; while the Midfield Terminal Complex, due for completion in the few coming years, will provide long term capacity for over 20 million passengers per year. This airport development programme is an intrinsic part of the vision of Abu Dhabi and Plan 2030.”
James Hogan, Chief Executive of Etihad Airways, said: “Terminal 3 is an impressive building, which offers a fantastic environment for our customers. It is another important part of the journey in the development of Etihad Airways and I would like to thank ADAC for its role to deliver this additional capacity just as it is needed. It is very pleasing to have a home-base that compliments the impressive growth of Etihad Airways. And during the coming years, when we take delivery of more aircraft and increase our passenger numbers, Terminal 3 will play an important part of our strategy.”
The Terminal has ten departure gates and covers a built up area of 88,000 square metres. The new Duty Free hosts 19 retail boutiques including Hermes, Cartier, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Rolex, Jimmy Choo, Loewe, and Chloe, and offers a first-of-its-kind, premium retail experience to all passengers. Abu Dhabi customers are also offered a high quality, luxurious, and stylish shopping journey. Diverse brand line-up caters to every category of shoppers, seeking top fragrances and cosmetics brands, fashion wear, sunglasses, watches, food and confectionery.
Terminal 3 is considered to be one of the top of its kind in the region with new technologies and latest operational systems, adopted by top world airports.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
