The Abu Dhabi government is set to launch a massive and transformative project – the new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. This initiative exemplifies the authorities’ commitment to staying ahead of demand through data-driven forecasts and large-scale projects.
What to Expect from the New Midfield Terminal
Abu Dhabi International Airport currently serves 30 airlines traveling to 120 destinations worldwide. The addition of the new Midfield Terminal will bring the total number of terminals at the airport to four. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), the terminal has been under construction since 2013.
The new terminal is designed to accommodate 11,000 passengers per hour and nearly 45 million passengers annually. It can also cater to 59 aircraft simultaneously. With a covered area of 700,000 sq. m., the terminal is equipped to serve a vast audience.
It includes over 18,000 sq. m. dedicated to retail outlets, around 10,000 sq. m. for restaurants and cafes, and 27,500 sq. m. for hospitality lounges and a transit hotel.
Incorporating Cutting-Edge Technology
The Midfield Terminal will feature the latest technologies, including facial recognition to reduce airport queue times. It will also house the most extensive baggage handling system and a Smart Travel System.
The terminal is set to replace Terminals 1 and 2, while Terminal 3 will likely be used during peak seasons. The existing terminals will also be connected to the new Midfield Terminal, which will offer an expanded satellite boarding concourse option.
Construction Highlights
The construction of the new terminal involved 18,000 people, 42 towers, and 35 mobile cranes. The building features a multi-level basement with 69k tonnes of superstructure steelwork forming the base of the large span roof structure.
The project’s environmental impact has been minimized through innovative design, such as the use of high-performance angle glass to reduce heat and increase air-conditioning efficiencies.
Inauguration Plans
The Midfield Terminal will be inaugurated on November 1, 2023, with a ceremonial Etihad flight scheduled for October 31. From November 9, Etihad Airways will operate 16 daily flights from the new terminal. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and ten other airlines are set to begin operations from November 14. In total, 28 airlines will operate from the new terminal.
The new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport promises to offer travelers a unique experience and open up new opportunities for airlines. As we approach its inauguration, the anticipation continues to build for this marvel of modern-day technology.
