Abu Dhabi Airports gears up for a strong participation at World Routes 2019

Abu Dhabi Airports is participating in the 25th World Route Development Forum (World Routes 2019), held between September 21 – 24 at the Adelaide Showground in Adelaide, Australia, discussing new route opportunities with the relevant stakeholders and showcasing its upcoming world-class Midfield Terminal.

Abu Dhabi Airports’ participation in the forum, is the result of the airport group’s continuing efforts to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s air connectivity and accessibility, highlighting the significant air service opportunities available to international airlines at its airports, particularly Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Ain International Airport.

The route development forum falls ahead of the opening of the new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), which aims to deliver a seamless passenger experience through the incorporation of cutting-edge technology, world-class leisure facilities and enhanced capacity and connectivity.

Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Our participation is the result of our confidence in the incredible opportunities available to international carriers and airports interested in partnering with us to take advantage of Abu Dhabi’s emerging status as a global hub for business and leisure travelers, as well as our growing network with excellent connectivity throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.”

“We are also looking forward to exhibiting a model of our new world-class Midfield Terminal, which will accommodate an additional 45 million passengers annually and deliver unsurpassed amenities, facilities and services. The new iconic terminal is one of the most significant aviation infrastructure projects in the Middle East and includes state-of-the-art technologies designed to deliver a seamless experience for passengers arriving to, departing from and transiting through Abu Dhabi,” added Mr. Thompson.

Khalil Lamrabet, Senior Vice President of Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Our participation in leading route development events, such as World Routes 2019, is in line with our efforts to build greater strategic partnerships with key airlines and stakeholders from across the region and around the globe to strengthen our connectivity and accessibility and to provide our passengers with more choices.”

Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Midfield Terminal Building

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is the gateway to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and through the airport’s connections, to the wider Middle East. Abu Dhabi itself is an emerging global player for business exhibitions and conferences, with 502 events held in the city in 2018, welcoming more than two million visitors from across the globe.

For visitors, Abu Dhabi is an incredible destination, with a wealth of cultural, historical, culinary and entertainment attractions. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Yas Island parks, along with the capital’s numerous resorts and hotels, are a few of its major highlights.

Abu Dhabi International Airport offers 261 weekly flights to destinations across the Middle East region, 362 weekly flights to south Asia, and numerous other connections to Europe, Africa and the Americas. Abu Dhabi Airports supports 25 airlines, serving 87 destinations around the world and serves 1,130 return flights per week.

The upcoming Midfield Terminal, one of the largest pieces of aviation infrastructure in the region, will have 49 aircraft gates, the capacity to handle up to 8,500 passengers per hour and is equipped with new check-in counters and 44 self-service kiosks. Passengers will be able to enjoy 30,000 square metres of lounge space and take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and services that will deliver smooth processing times coupled with a distinctive flavour of Arabian hospitality.

US Customs and Border Protection Pre-Clearance Facility

Of particular interest to international travelers is the United States Customs and Border Protection Pre-Clearance Facility located at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Passengers travelling to the US through AUH continue to enjoy the award winning facility. The service is the only one of its kind in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, allowing passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi to avoid lengthy queues upon arrival in the United States and have their baggage checked through to their final destination.

Passengers travelling to New York, Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles on flights operated by the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, can take advantage of this unique service. Last year, over 500,000 passengers passed through the facility, demonstrating its continued appeal to regional and international travelers.