Zayed International Airport (AUH) is among the most active airports in the UAE and the region, handling almost 23 million passengers annually. Etihad Airways and more than 30 other carriers use the airport to offer flights to over 100 cities around the world.
This comprehensive guide to Terminal A will make it simple for you to move around whether you’re arriving, connecting or enjoying Abu Dhabi. You’ll find all the information you need to make your trip through Terminal A as seamless as possible.
Zayed International Airport (AUH) Overview
Key Facts
- Address: Al Matar – Zayed International Airport – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
- Coordinates: 24.426912, 54.645974
- Phone: +971 2 805 5555
- IATA Code: AUH
- Terminals: Terminal A (formerly Midfield Terminal) is the only operational terminal, replacing older terminals.
- Capacity: Handles 45 million passengers annually (post-expansion).
- Runways: 2 parallel runways handling long-haul flights
- Key Features: State-of-the-art facilities, smart gates, and luxury lounges.
Why Is It Called Zayed International Airport?
The airport was renamed in 2023 in tribute to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the nation’s first president and founding father. It continues to serve as Abu Dhabi’s main international entry point.
Terminal A Map and Layout
Terminal A is made up of four concourses (A, B, C, D) that are all linked by a central hall. Key sections:
- Check-in Zones: Over 100 counters plus self-service kiosks.
- Security and Immigration: Fast-track options available.
- Gates: More than 65 gates with aerobridge access.
- Baggage Claim: Located on the arrivals level.
- Lounges: Etihad Premium Lounges, Plaza Premium, and more.
Pro Tip: Get the AUH official app to access live maps and flight information.
Airlines Operating at Zayed International Airport
All airlines serving AUH and their current flight schedules and destinations are provided below:
| # | Airline | Flights (Next Month) | Destinations |
| 1 | Etihad Airways | 3,765 | 91 |
| 2 | Air Arabia Abu Dhabi | 754 | 28 |
| 3 | IndiGo | 434 | 13 |
| 4 | Air India Express | 253 | 8 |
| 5 | Pakistan International Airlines | 76 | 4 |
| 6 | Biman Bangladesh Airlines | 20 | 3 |
| 7 | Starlight Airlines | 91 | 3 |
| 8 | Flynas | 52 | 3 |
| 9 | Wizz Air | 22 | 3 |
| 10 | Wizz Air Malta | 18 | 3 |
| 11 | US-Bangla Airlines | 26 | 2 |
| 12 | Saudia | 59 | 2 |
| 13 | Airblue | 35 | 2 |
| 14 | Luxair | 2 | 1 |
| 15 | Royal Jordanian | 10 | 1 |
| 16 | British Airways | – | 1 |
| 17 | Kam Air | 9 | 1 |
| 18 | EgyptAir | 60 | 1 |
| 19 | Air India | 31 | 1 |
| 20 | Aeroflot | 21 | 1 |
| 21 | Turkish Airlines | 45 | 1 |
| 22 | Air Seychelles | – | 1 |
| 23 | Middle East Airlines | 31 | 1 |
| 24 | Ethiopian Airlines | – | 1 |
| 25 | Pegasus Airlines | 18 | 1 |
| 26 | Eurowings | – | 1 |
| 27 | Badr Airlines | 13 | 1 |
| 28 | Qatar Airways | 116 | 1 |
| 29 | Gulf Air | 54 | 1 |
| 30 | China Eastern Airlines | 14 | 1 |
| 31 | Syrian Air | 9 | 1 |
| 32 | Aegean Airlines | – | 1 |
| 33 | SriLankan Airlines | 31 | 1 |
| 34 | Turkmenistan Airlines | 4 | 1 |
Dining and Shopping at AUH
Food & Restaurants
- Fast Food: McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks
- Local Cuisine: Arabian Tea House, Jones the Grocer
- Fine Dining: Pre-departure gourmet options
Shopping & Duty-Free
- Luxury Brands: Gucci, Dior, Rolex
- Duty-Free: Perfumes, electronics, souvenirs
- Convenience Stores: Last-minute travel essentials
*Prayer Rooms: Available across terminals.
Transportation Options
- Public Buses:
- A1 and A2 (24/7 service to the city center).
- Free shuttles to Ibn Battuta Bus Station.
- Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Fixed-rate taxis and Careem services available.
- Car Rentals: Hertz, Avis, and Europcar located in arrivals.
- Airport Transfer: Etihad Airways chauffeur service for premium passengers.
Hotels Near Zayed International Airport
- AUH Hotel (inside Terminal A, opens 2024).
- Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Airport (5-minute shuttle).
- Radisson Blu, Abu Dhabi Airport (10-minute drive).
Travel Tips for AUH
- Early Arrival: Recommended at least 3 hours before international flights.
- Visa Requirements: Check UAE’s eVisa system if transiting.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the terminal.
- Currency Exchange: Multiple exchange counters in arrivals/departures.
FAQs
Which airlines will operate from Terminal A from 1st November?
From 1:30 pm on 1st November, the following airlines will operate from Terminal A:
1. Wizz Air
2. Pegasus Airlines
3. Air India Express
4. IndiGo
5. Pakistan International Airlines
I’m flying with Etihad in November. Is my flight from Terminal A?
From 11:00 am on 9th November, select Etihad flights (e.g., London EY17, Delhi EY224) will operate from Terminal A. Check your flight’s terminal via the Etihad website.
How do I transfer between Terminal A and Terminals 1/3?
– To Terminal A: Free shuttle buses depart from Terminal 1/3 (Gate 29 or Departures Hall, Entrance 05).
– From Terminal A: Shuttles leave from Gate F or Departures Hall, Entrance 07.
Buses run every 10 minutes.
Can I return my rental car to Terminal A if rented from Skypark Plaza?
Yes, if the rental company operates at Terminal A. Otherwise, return it to Skypark and take the free shuttle.
Is there public transport between Terminal A and Abu Dhabi city?
Yes:
– 24/7 Airport Express Buses (A1/A2) connect Terminal A to the city.
– Taxis and ride-hailing (e.g., Careem) are also available.
Terminal A at Zayed International Airport provides a smooth and luxurious journey for all passengers. This guide helps you move effortlessly through AUH whether you’re stopping over or spending time in Abu Dhabi. Terminal A showcases Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading aviation center on the world stage. Save this guide for your next trip to one of the most advanced airports in the Middle East.
