Abu Dhabi Airports has opened newly expanded and modernised facilities at Abu Dhabi International’s Terminal 1, designed to improve overall operational efficiency and make passengers’ journey through the airport more efficient. The latest step in the airport’s ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP), the new facilities will reduce waiting times, ease congestion and enhance the overall airport journey for travellers – and will be instrumental in managing increasing growth in passenger numbers ahead of the opening of the Midfield Terminal in 2017.
The new Terminal 1 facilities were officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Board of Abu Dhabi Airports.
The approach has centred on reconfiguring passenger flows into and through Terminal 1. Newly installed 350m walkways now directly links the passenger arrival gates to the immigration halls and transfer screening facilities, while the introduction of 16 brand new, state-of-the art X-ray screening machines – capable of processing 2,000 transfer passengers per hour – are further accelerating passenger movement and reducing waiting times. Passenger flow has further been enhanced by enabling transfer passengers arriving at Terminal 1 to proceed directly to Terminal 3 without the need for further screening. The opening of nine new Code E aircraft stands will also accommodate the increasing number of large and wide-bodied aircraft at the airport.
“We are very pleased to have completed the next phase of our ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme, which is aimed at ensuring that Abu Dhabi International Airport is properly equipped to handle the increasing growth in passenger numbers,” H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented. “This upgrade to our facilities is part of a continuing programme aimed at delivering the best possible passenger experience, using the most advanced and most innovative means at our disposal. Looking ahead, there are a number of ongoing initiatives in and around the airport which will achieve the same purpose.”
The upgrades to Terminal 1’s infrastructure will significantly improve the airport experience for passengers. The screening process has been enhanced to increase efficiency as well as security; travellers will have more space and will spend less time queuing; and there will be more of an opportunity to enjoy the multiple retail, F&B and entertainment facilities on offer at the airport.
“We are very pleased to have completed the next phase of our ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme, which is aimed at ensuring that Abu Dhabi International airport is properly equipped to handle the increasing growth in passenger numbers,” H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said. “Starting today, passengers will find the whole experience of moving around Terminal 1 simpler, easier and more enjoyable. This upgrade to our facilities is part of a continuing programme aimed at delivering the best possible passenger experience, using the most advanced and most innovative means at our disposal.”
Improvements to passenger flows inside Terminal 1 are being complemented by a new road network, which will enhance airport access for travellers – whether arriving or departing, from Abu Dhabi or Dubai. The work is expected to be completed within the next month, when vehicles departing from the Arrivals, Departures and car parking areas will be able to directly access roads to central Abu Dhabi, Dubai and local areas such Al Raha, Yas Island and Khalifa City.
“Looking ahead, there are a number of ongoing initiatives in and around the airport which will achieve the same purpose,” H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori furthered. “We are firm in our intention to become a leading global air transportation hub and, in order to do so, we need to ensure that all parts of a passenger’s journey into and out of terminal buildings, aircraft stands, and runways at Abu Dhabi International Airport are as easy and as comfortable as possible, and to increase both processing speed and passenger and aircraft flow.”
