Abu Dhabi International Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport set to unveil “shoppers’ paradise” in Terminal A
As the eagerly anticipated opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new terminal nears, we profile the facility and the 35,000sq m commercial zone that will offer passengers a dazzling variety of shopping and dining opportunities.
Abu Dhabi Airports is pledging to offer enhanced travel experiences through state-of-the-art facilities and a “shoppers’ paradise” at the new Terminal A, which opens on 1 November [look out for our on location report next month].
The airport company says the terminal will strengthen the emirate’s standing as a global aviation hub, and an international centre for tourism, trade and commerce.
The terminal will double the current airport capacity, with the capability to accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year.
At triple the size of the previous terminal, and with flights to 117 destinations worldwide, it will increase the frequency and reach of flights to and from Abu Dhabi, boosting the emirate as a destination for travel, business and entertainment, Abu Dhabi Airports said.
Magnificent architecture is complemented by stunning internal design
National carrier Etihad Airways’ ceremonial flight will take place on 31 October ahead of the public opening a day later.
Airlines will transition into Terminal A in three phases over a period of two weeks. After Etihad’s ceremonial flight, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and 15 other international airlines will fly from the new terminal on 1 November.
From 9 November, Etihad Airways will operate 16 daily flights, before completing the transition to its new home on 14 November together with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and ten other airlines. From that date all 28 airlines will be operational from Terminal A.
Retail and food & beverage emporium
When fully operational, Terminal A will be a “shopper’s paradise”, Abu Dhabi Airports said. The 35,000sq m commercial zone will features 163 retail and food & beverage concessionaires, offering passengers a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities to enjoy.
Aer Rianta International-led Travel Retail Sales & Services will manage a wide-ranging perfume, cosmetics, sunglasses and fashion jewellery offer.
Lagardère Travel Retail will operate liquor & tobacco, confectionery and fine foods in partnership with Abu Dhabi Capital Group as Lagardère Capital. JCDecaux has an exclusive ten-year advertising contract; while Capi will operate five consumer technology stores and NAS the common user lounge.
In food & beverage HMSHost International, Lagardère Capital and SSP will provide an eclectic array of concepts.
From Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Ferragamo, to a pioneering Muji airport store, Terminal A is a shopping destination designed to amplify a passenger’s travel experience, the company said.
The extensive food & beverage offer is designed to accommodate all palates. Jones The Grocer, Taste of India, Starbucks and the Camden Food Co. are a few of the brands calling Terminal A their new home.
Young travellers can enjoy McDonalds or a TGI Fridays featuring a playful décor. American celebrity chef Todd English is opening a restaurant providing diners with a wide selection of cuisines from around the world.
The retail and F&B offers are complemented by two health and beauty spas along with a premium 138-bedroom hotel plus a modern open-air lounge offering Arabic hospitality.
Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director and Interim CEO Elena Sorlini said, “With final preparations almost complete, I am proud to say we are ready to open Terminal A to the public on 1 November.
“We will see a rapid increase in the number of flights operating from Terminal A as of November 1st to the 14th, and I’m excited by the new opportunities and experiences which the iconic facility will bring to both airlines and passengers.
“Terminal A will drive the growth of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi and play an instrumental role in welcoming more businesses and tourists to the emirate for decades to come.”
*For more, see our online story and image at this link.
A new wonder of the airport world towers into the Abu Dhabi sky
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The Moodie Davitt eZine
Issue 328 | 20 October 2023
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