Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) has launched a number of initiatives this summer to ensure that passengers passing through its facility enjoy a seamless travel experience.

“Abu Dhabi Airports prioritises passenger safety above all else. We have worked hard to add the element of utmost convenience to this to ensure that all passengers passing through Abu Dhabi International Airport have a truly world class experience,” said acting chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, Abdul Majeed Al Khoori. “We are indebted to the support of all our stakeholders and partners in making this possible and for contributing to our collective success,” he added.

Transit visas on arrival
In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs – Abu Dhabi, a new transit visa counter has been set up inside AUH to grant both transit and arriving passengers visas to Abu Dhabi within 30 minutes.

The new service is located at the Terminal 3 transit area at AUH and facilitates activation of the new four-day or 96-hour transit visa for all nationalities travelling through the airport, and inclusive of all of the other types of transit visas available. This is in support of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to attract more visitors to the capital.

Flight updates on social media
With the introduction of the new BizTweet service, incoming and outgoing passengers to AUH can receive real time flight updates to their Twitter and Facebook accounts. BizTweet is an automated flight information service available to all AUH customers via Twitter and Facebook.

It provides the latest on flight information, including gate departure and arrival times, for all international flights. Travellers can register for flight updates via the Abu Dhabi International Airport’s website to receive updates on twitter or Facebook from @auhflights.

Smart Travel
The Smart Travel system, in operation since 2016, has revolutionised passenger processing times at AUH. Implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police, this system allows passengers to check-in and move through immigration and security interacting exclusively with innovative technology, in five easy steps.

With its seamless five-step passenger automated processing, the Smart Travel system has decreased airport processing time by up to 70 per cent, making journeys more efficient and hassle-free. Passengers can also utilise baggage drop facilities at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) and City check-in in Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain International Airport, 24 hours before departure.

Enhanced retail offering
In addition to all of the above services making the travel experience seamless and quick, AUH will further embellish that with a range of activities and retail offerings.

The baggage wrapping facility has added a service for the convenience of transit passengers who can now store their luggage at the departures level if they choose to step out of the airport to explore the city.

On offer at AUH is also a range of premium hand washing and car detailing treatments customized to any budget. In addition, there is an array of fantastic deals being offered by big brands at Abu Dhabi Duty Free. From flat discounts on electronics, to free vouchers from jewellery stores and a variety of summer treats available at F&B outlets, the travellers’ every need is being catered for at AUH this summer.

Football enthusiasts can catch their favourite teams in action at AUH’s Fifa Fan Zones and also play interactive football and shop the official merchandise while waiting to commence their journeys.

Meanwhile, the VIP terminal – having recently achieved an ISO 90001 certification for quality management – is offering government entities discounted rates for membership to the diamond lounge, bringing with it the comfort of its new fleet of BMW cars and other benefits. - TradeArabia News Service