Abu Dhabi Airport: Landing in One of the World's Largest Terminals

Getting there, at a glance

Amenities, at a glance

Zayed International Airport (IATA: AUH) is the United Arab Emirates’ second airport and Etihad Airways’ exclusive hub, handling more than 24 million passengers a year. It sits about 26 km (16 mi) east of central Abu Dhabi.

Overview

AUH recently opened Terminal A, a massive new facility that opened in late 2023 and ranks among the largest single airport terminal buildings in the world by floor area. The new terminal significantly expanded the airport’s capacity and amenities, positioning Abu Dhabi as a serious long-haul connecting hub alongside its larger neighbors Dubai and Doha. Zayed International handled 28.8 million passengers in 2024, up sharply from 22.4 million in 2023 — a 28% jump as new airlines and routes launched alongside the new terminal.

Terminals

AUH now operates primarily out of the new Terminal A, which consolidated most operations previously spread across older, smaller terminal buildings, dramatically expanding gate capacity and passenger facilities.

Airlines

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s second flag carrier, operates its exclusive hub at AUH, connecting the Gulf region to an extensive long-haul network across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. Etihad has positioned itself with a strong focus on premium travel experiences, and the new Terminal A reflects that ambition with significantly upgraded facilities.

How to Get There

• Taxi: AED 70–90 to central Abu Dhabi, about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
• Bus (A1): AED 4–25 depending on the route, the cheapest option, about 45–60 minutes.
• Uber / Careem: Generally comparable in price to a taxi, about 30–40 minutes — both widely used in Abu Dhabi.

Prices above are indicative and can change — always check current fares with the Department of Transport Abu Dhabi or your ride-hailing app.

Getting Through Security and Passport Control

• Domestic flights: Security only. Typically 15–25 minutes off-peak, up to 25–35 minutes during busy periods.
• International flights: Security plus passport control. Typically 25–35 minutes off-peak, up to 40–60 minutes during Etihad’s peak connecting banks.
• The new Terminal A’s expanded capacity has generally improved processing times compared to the airport’s older facilities.

Parking

Terminal A has extensive parking, with clear signage for short- and long-stay options.

Wifi

Free, unlimited wifi is available throughout the new terminal with no time limit.

Best Times to Arrive

• Domestic flights: 90 minutes before departure is typically enough.
• International flights: Arrive 3 hours ahead, especially for Etihad’s peak long-haul departure banks.
• Given the terminal is still relatively new, allow a little extra buffer time in case of any lingering transition-period wayfinding adjustments.

Where to Eat

AUH has a good selection of Middle Eastern and international dining, reflecting the new terminal’s significantly expanded amenities compared to the airport’s previous facilities.

Airport Hotel

AUHotel sits airside inside Terminal A itself — genuinely useful for transit passengers who can’t leave security. It’s a compact transit hotel built for short stays rather than a full-service resort, without its own dedicated restaurant, so pair a stay there with the terminal’s own dining options nearby.

Lounges

• The Etihad First and Business Class lounges are available in Terminal A for eligible passengers, elite status holders, or paid access, reflecting Etihad’s focus on premium travel.
• Several Priority Pass-affiliated lounges are also available.

Duty-Free Shopping

AUH’s duty-free zone includes Arabic perfumes and gold, alongside the usual international fashion, cosmetics, and electronics brands.

Airport Map

This is a simplified layout to help you get oriented — for real-time, gate-by-gate wayfinding, use Abu Dhabi Airport’s official resources.

Useful Links

• Official airport site (Abu Dhabi Airports) — terminal info, services, live flight status.
• Etihad Airways — flight schedules and connections.

Long Layover Tips

• With 4+ hours and a visa situation permitting entry, central Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are reachable by taxi in about 30–40 minutes.
• If staying airside, Terminal A’s significantly expanded lounge and dining options make a long wait considerably more comfortable than at the airport’s older facilities.
• Given Terminal A’s sheer size, budget real time to reach your gate after security, especially for departures from the terminal’s farther ends.