Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) today (April 7) declared the new terminal (T3) of the Abu Dhabi international airport fully operational, with full transfer of flights from Terminal 1 to T3.

The airport’s new Dh1 billion ($272 million) facility has expanded airport capacity to more than 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.

“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,” said Khalifa Mohamed Al Mazrouei, chairman of ADAC.

“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,” he added.

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 T3 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 had foreseen increases in demand and T3 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: “T3 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,” he added.

“And during the coming years, when we take delivery of more aircraft and increase our passenger numbers, T3 will play an important part of our strategy.”

The terminal has ten departure gates and covers a built up area of 88,000 sq mt. The new duty free area hosts 19 retail boutiques and offers a first-of-its-kind, premium retail experience. – TradeArabia News Service