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Abu Dhabi International Airport AUH

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Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) Guide

Discover Abu Dhabi International Airport, the UAE's second-largest airport and home to the world's first and only terminal dedicated to the superjumbo Airbus A380. Serving over 20 million passengers annually, AUH is your gateway to the Middle East and beyond. This concise guide offers everything you need for a smooth journey through AUH, from flight details to terminal information, parking, dining, and shopping. Ease your travel worries with our guide, and for more airport insights, visit iFly's Comprehensive Airport Guide.

AUH Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 has 33 gates and is used by most international airlines, including Etihad Airways, Air France, and British Airways. Terminal 2 has 22 gates and is used by low-cost airlines, such as Air Arabia and flydubai. Terminal 3 has 28 gates and is used exclusively by Etihad Airways.

Each terminal has a variety of shops, restaurants, and services available for passengers. Terminal 1 has a duty-free store, a bookshop, and several cafes and restaurants, including Starbucks and Burger King. Terminal 2 has a duty-free store, a pharmacy, and a food court with options like Subway and McDonald's. Terminal 3 has a duty-free store, luxury boutiques, and a range of dining options, including a sushi bar and a juice bar.

When navigating the airport, it's important to check which terminal your flight departs from. You can find this information on your boarding pass or by checking the airport's website. Once you know your terminal, follow the signs to the appropriate area. There are also shuttle buses available to transport passengers between terminals.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. The terminals are connected by shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day. The shuttle buses are free of charge and are located outside the arrivals area of each terminal. The travel time between terminals is approximately 10-15 minutes.

If you prefer to walk between terminals, there is a pedestrian walkway that connects Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The walkway is approximately 1.5 km long and takes around 15-20 minutes to walk. However, there is no pedestrian walkway between Terminal 2 and Terminal 1/3.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

AUH Airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off passengers, you can use the designated curbside drop-off zones outside each terminal. However, please note that parking is not allowed in these areas, and you must remain with your vehicle at all times. If you need to assist your passengers with their luggage, it is recommended that you use the short-term parking facilities located near each terminal.

If you are picking up passengers, you can use the designated curbside pick-up zones outside each terminal. However, please note that parking is not allowed in these areas, and you must remain with your vehicle at all times. If you arrive early and need to wait for your passengers, you can use the cell-phone waiting areas located near each terminal. These areas allow you to park your vehicle for free for up to 30 minutes while you wait for your passengers to arrive. Once your passengers have arrived, you can proceed to the curbside pick-up zone to collect them.

Parking Facilities & Options

The airport offers a variety of parking options to suit every traveler's needs. There are both covered and uncovered parking lots available, as well as a multi-story parking garage. The parking facilities are conveniently located near all three terminals, making it easy to access your flight.

If you're waiting to pick up a passenger, there are also cell phone waiting areas available. These areas provide a safe and convenient place to wait for your loved one to arrive, without having to circle the airport endlessly.

For those who require handicapped parking, there are designated spots available in all parking areas. These spots are located close to the terminals, making it easy for those with mobility issues to access the airport.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is also available. These lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminals. This can be a great option for those who are looking to save money on parking fees.

Get details about Abu Dhabi International Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

Abu Dhabi Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options to help you get to your destination. Whether you prefer to rent a car, take a taxi, or use public transportation, the airport has you covered.

If you're looking to rent a car, the airport has several car rental companies to choose from, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Thrifty. You can find the car rental facilities in the Skypark Plaza, which is located just outside the arrivals hall.

For those who prefer to take a taxi, there are designated taxi drop-off areas located outside the arrivals hall. The fares are metered and vary depending on your destination. It's always a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services are available at the airport. The pickup areas for these services are located outside the arrivals hall. However, it's important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed.

Airport shuttles are also available for those who prefer a more convenient option. These shuttles offer door-to-door service and can be booked in advance. The pickup areas for the shuttles are located outside the arrivals hall. The fares vary depending on your destination.

Finally, for those who prefer to use public transportation, the airport is well-connected to the city's bus network. The bus stops are located outside the arrivals hall, and fares are affordable. However, it's important to note that the buses can get crowded during peak hours.

Airport Hotels

Whether you're in transit, on a short stay, or planning a longer visit, finding a hotel near the airport that suits your needs is essential. From luxurious apartments to cozy studios, there are numerous options equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. Some hotels are within walking distance from the airport terminals, while others are a short drive away but still offer the convenience of being close to the airport. Many of these hotels are also close to popular attractions, providing guests with ample entertainment opportunities during their stay. Discover the best hotel options for your next trip with our guide to Abu Dhabi Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. For a taste of local cuisine, head to the Marrybrown restaurant in Terminal 1, which serves delicious fried chicken and burgers. Another popular option is the Giraffe restaurant in Terminal 3, which offers a variety of international dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

If you are in the mood for some shopping, Abu Dhabi Airport has got you covered. There are several stores selling everything from luxury goods to souvenirs. For high-end fashion, check out the Hugo Boss store in Terminal 3. For something more affordable, head to the Dubai Duty-Free store in Terminal 1, which offers a wide range of products at tax-free prices.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at AUH can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

AUH offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport terminals. Lost and found services are also available to assist passengers who have misplaced their belongings.

Traveling with children? The airport has dedicated play areas for kids to enjoy before their flight. Special-needs services are also available to assist passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.

For banking needs, there are several ATMs and currency exchange services located throughout the airport. Medical help is also available at the airport's medical center, which is staffed by trained professionals, ready to assist with medical emergencies and provide first aid if needed.

Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, AUH Airport has everything you need to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight departure. At the airport, there are several ways to check your flight status and be alerted of any changes or delays.

One way to check your flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays can be found throughout the airport and provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, and gate information.

Another way to stay informed is by downloading your airline's mobile phone app. Many airlines offer push notifications, text messages, and email alerts for flight changes and delays. This is a convenient way to stay updated on the go.

Passengers can also check the status of their flight departure at Abu Dhabi International Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time for international flights and two hours before for domestic flights. The airport can be busy at all times of the day, but the busiest times are typically during the early morning and late evening. To avoid crowds and long lines, it is best to arrive during off-peak hours.

Getting to the Airport

Abu Dhabi International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers east of the city center. The best way to get to the airport is by taxi, which can be easily hailed from any part of the city. The airport also offers shuttle services from select hotels in the city. Additionally, there are several public bus routes that connect the airport to various parts of Abu Dhabi.

Getting Oriented

Abu Dhabi Airport can be a large and confusing place, especially for first-time visitors. To get oriented, passengers can use the interactive airport maps available on iFly.com. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's terminals, gates, and amenities. Passengers can also use the airport's information desks, located throughout the airport, to get help with directions and other questions.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at AUH, passengers should make sure to arrive early and allow plenty of time for check-in and security screening. It is also important to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport, as delays and cancellations can occur due to weather, mechanical issues, or other factors. Passengers should also make sure to follow all airport rules and regulations, including restrictions on liquids and other items in carry-on luggage.

Airport Facts & Stats

Abu Dhabi Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Arab Emirates, after Dubai International Airport. It is located 16.5 nautical miles east of Abu Dhabi city and is the hub for Etihad Airways, the second largest airline in the UAE.

The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are used for international flights, while Terminal 2 is used for regional flights.

The top airlines with the most daily flights at AUH are Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Air India. On average, the airport handles around 50,000 passengers daily and has around 500 daily flights. It serves over 120 destinations worldwide.

The top 5 destinations served by AUH are Mumbai, Delhi, London, Bangkok, and Cairo. Other popular destinations include New York, Sydney, Paris, and Frankfurt.

In addition to Etihad Airways, other airlines that use AUH as a hub include Air Arabia, Air India Express, and Rotana Jet.

Airport History

AUH is the second largest airport in the United Arab Emirates and one of the fastest-growing airports in the world. Here is a brief overview of its history:

  • 1982: The airport opens as AUH Airport with a single terminal and a 4,000-meter runway.
  • 1991: The airport undergoes a major expansion, with a new terminal and runway added.
  • 2006: Abu Dhabi Airports Company is established to oversee the airport's operations and development.
  • 2009: The airport's new Terminal 3 opens, increasing its capacity to 12 million passengers per year.
  • 2012: The airport's new midfield terminal complex is announced, which will increase its capacity to 30 million passengers per year.
  • 2019: The midfield terminal complex is scheduled to open, with a capacity of 45 million passengers per year.

Today, the airport serves over 20 million passengers per year and is a major hub for Etihad Airways.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Abu Dhabi International Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: AUH
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +971 2 505 5555
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Abu Dhabi International Airport, PO Box 94449, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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