As Etihad, the rapidly expanding national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, spreads its wings, its Abu Dhabi gateway is rising to the challenge. Colin Ellson reports Abu Dhabi International is on a roll. In 2004, the number of passengers passing through the airport was 5.2 million, rising by just 200,000 in 2005. This year, however, 6.7 million are expected to use the Gulf gateway, an increase of some 29% in two years, a figure rivals can only envy. The authorities credit the rise fairly and squarely to the arrival in November 2003 of Etihad Airways and its subsequent expansion. When it began to use Abu Dhabi as its hub, the airline operated a handful of leased aircraft flying a limited range of routes. But having found its commercial feet, the emirate's new flag carrier also spread its acquisitive wings, and eight months after launch placed firm orders for 24 Airbus aircraft and five Boeings, a shopping list worth over US$8 billion. Fast forward, and new deliveries have so far boosted Etihad's fleet to 16 aircraft, including four Boeing 777s and 10 Airbus A330s, and its network covers 30 routes in the Middle East, Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, with a total of 25 flights a week to London Gatwick, Heathrow and Manchester. Says Mohamed Mounib, managing director of Abu Dhabi Duty-Free & In-Flight catering: “We are expecting a significant rise in passenger numbers … as a result of Etihad acquiring new aircraft and increasing its destinations. Passenger profiles are changing and we are constantly adding new products and brands to our [duty-free] selection…seeing more AB travellers as a result of Etihad Airways’ expansion.” If one of the world's finest duty-free complexes – with all the prestige names accommodated in a new retail area covering 5,000 square metres – is expanding, so, too, is the airport overall as it presses ahead with large-scale improvements. A master plan was issued last year mapping the future of Abu Dhabi International. This includes a second runway capable of handling the Airbus A380 super-jumbo, due to make its maiden touch down later this year, a further terminal, major infrastructural enhancements, a new arrivals shop, and a 300-room Airport Hotel. These improvements are in addition to the US$6.8 billion Terminal 2, opened in 2005 to handle two million passengers a year, and a dedicated Etihad complex, which will be capable of processing 3.5 million when it is up and running in mid-2007.
With around 30 airlines serving destinations worldwide, Abu Dhabi International is both striking in design and innovative in service concepts. The duty-free area, for example, offers Golden Class, a meet and assist system available to all passengers for a moderate price. This provides a three-minute check-in at dedicated counters, and fast track through immigration. It also entitles travelers to the use of a VIP lounge, limousine transfers to and from Abu Dhabi city, and the issue of an international driving license. Meanwhile, for those wishing to avoid the airport bustle, there is a City Terminal where passengers check in their baggage, collect boarding passes and head for the terminals on a luxury coach. All of which is designed to offer passengers a hassle-free travel experience. But Abu Dhabi International's days are numbered through capacity constraints, and a new airport, capable of handling 50 million passengers a year, is at the planning stage. No doubt, Etihad will be in on the ground floor. At-a-glance guide
Location: 32km (20 miles) east of Abu Dhabi city centre
Transport links: fixed-rate taxis are the usual method for getting into town, taking around 45 minutes and costing Drh70 (US$19). There is also a bus service at 20-minute intervals. Gulf Air operates a twice-daily free luxury coach service from its ticket office in Deira, in central Dubai, to Abu Dhabi, and Etihad Airways offers complimentary limousine transfers for premium passengers, and coach travel for those in Economy between the emirates. Journey time is 60 to 90 minutes
Annual passenger throughput: 5.4 million (2005)
Minimum connecting time: 60 minutes
Executive lounges: most airlines provide facilities and there is also a Golden Class VIP lounge
Facilities: 5-star transit hotel, with business centre, meeting rooms and health club; cafes, restaurants and bars; award-winning duty-free shopping complex; 18-hole golf course with clubhouse featuring meeting rooms, restaurant, bar, gym and snooker room
Banks/cashpoints: bank, bureau de change, ATMs
Airport hotels: Abu Dhabi International
Car rental desks: Alghazal, Avis, Budget, Europcar, FAST, Hertz and Thrifty
Website: www.dcaauh.gov.ae
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