Zayed International Airport Expansion

The 700,000-square metre terminal building is one of the key projects in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, to develop a world-class air transportation hub. The Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) represents one of the largest investments by the UAE to deliver the needed infrastructure, in line with Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, that will cater to the growth of the aviation sector in the region and confirms Abu Dhabi's strong position in the global air transportation network.

The AED 10.8 billion MTB is expected to be completed in 2017. It is part of a wider ten-year (2009-2019), AED 37 to AED 40 billion airport expansion plan. It will initially handle 27 to 30 million passengers per year once operational and cater to Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways and the carriers it holds stakes in.

The MTB design focuses on passenger experience, highest quality and service standards, including the International Air Transport Association's 'A' level of service which is the highest levels of space allocation for passenger processing areas. The design targets to achieve 'Two Pearl Rating', in line with the 'Estidama' approach towards sustainable design.

Operational highlights include:

• Piers would accommodate up to 65 aircraft, including the Airbus A-380
• Check-in facilities would be capable of handling around 8,500 passengers per hour
• Check-in facilities would include 165 conventional counters and 48 self-service kiosks
• Airline lounges would cover 30,000 square metres
• Parking areas would accommodate 3,400 cars for short term and 1,500 cars for long term
• Retail (including food and beverage) space would cover 28,000 square metres
• Baggage system would process over 19,000 bags per hour with over 22 kilometres of conveying lines and 10 reclaim carousels

Read about key projects and acheivements at Abu Dhabi Airports.

Al Maktoum International Airport expansion

Al Maktoum International Airport is set for its next phase of growth to expand its passenger terminal building. The building, which was opened in 2013 with a size of 66,107 square metres, will expand to 145,926 square metres.

The project includes a new immigration hall with 55 control counters within the arrivals building, as well as a new baggage handling system.

In the departure building, the public hall, commercial areas, the check-in hall and offices would all be extended. It would have 100 traditional check-in counters, as well as 7 economy and 4 business class self-service check-in counters, 26 passport control checkpoints (including six e-gate counters) and 24 boarding lounges.

A series of further extensions are planned under later phases that are designed to raise its maximum capacity to 26.5 million passengers a year.