ABU
DHABI, UAE, Aug. 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator
of the emirate's five airports, has released passenger traffic
results for the first half of 2024.
Between January and June 2024 the
Abu Dhabi Airports' network achieved an impressive milestone with
passenger traffic nearing 14 million, a significant 33.5% increase
compared to the same period last year.
Zayed International Airport (AUH) alone facilitated over 13.7
million passengers, marking a remarkable 33.8% increase. This
growth was complemented by a 24.3% rise in flight movements,
recording 84,286 movements during H1 2024.
In addition to the surge in passenger numbers, Abu Dhabi
Airports expanded its customer base by welcoming new airlines and
introducing new routes. Notably, US Bangla now offers flights to
Chittagong and Dhaka, and British Airways has commenced daily
flights to London Heathrow. The network of destinations continues
to grow, enhancing connectivity and service offerings.
The newly renamed Zayed International Airport pays homage to the
vision of the UAE's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Grounded in the
richness of Emirati culture and a strong foundation of Arabian
heritage, it was designed to re-imagine the airport experience for
passengers and partners, and is setting new standards for how an
airport can enhance a traveller's journey. The airport will play a
key role in Abu Dhabi's plans to
strengthen its position as a destination of choice for
international visitors and as a strategic hub for tourism, trade
and connectivity.
Located just an eight-hour flight from two-thirds of the world
population, Zayed International Airport's new terminal is one of
the largest structures of its kind in the world. Offering a
breathtaking fusion of modern materials, natural light and space,
the building serves as the latest addition to Abu Dhabi's iconic skyline, and heralds an
ambitious new era of transport and aviation infrastructure in
Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The terminal has been designed to provide the most innovative,
safe, and seamless airport experience, and meets the highest
standards of quality and service required by the aviation industry
and passengers. It spans 742,000 square metres of built-up area,
and is capable of handling 79 planes and 11,000 passengers per
hour, doubling the capacity of the old terminals by managing up to
45 million passengers annually. As of June
2024, it allowed connections to more than 120 major
destinations around the world on more than 30 international
airlines.
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the X-shaped building
improves operational efficiency and passenger flow. It features
four themed piers, each inspired by Abu
Dhabi's natural landscapes of desert, sea, city, and oasis.
Each pier points in the direction of the corresponding
landscape.
The rebranding of Zayed International Airport was meant to
celebrate the heritage of Abu
Dhabi through shapes and forms inspired by its elemental
landscape and history, as well as by the airport itself: a
traditional dhow boat, a date palm tree, the desert sun, the Qasr
Al Hosn Fort, and the iconic Terminal Building merging into the
airport logo, proudly expressing Abu
Dhabi's identity while inviting passengers to write their
own story.
With world-leading facilities, including biometric technology to
streamline the screening and boarding process, 35,000 square meters
of retail and F&B space, and 163 outlets for passengers to
shop, dine and enjoy, the new terminal enhances the overall
experience for all passengers, especially international visitors.
Passengers can expect a rapid journey, as they can go from kerb to
gate in just 12 minutes, minimizing wait times and maximizing
efficiency.
The Airport is home to one of the largest environmental art
features in the Middle East, the
Sana Al Nour weighs approximately 100 tons and incorporates 1,632
curved glass panels. The traditional barjeel design directs air and
light between the departure and arrival levels, improving
daylighting and saving energy through natural ventilation
techniques.
Zayed International stands out as the first and only airport
worldwide to utilize a nine-touch-point facial recognition journey,
deployed at various stages of the airport experience, to enjoy
reduced queueing times and a hassle-free, seamless journey through
the airport. An advanced baggage handling system can process up to
19,200 bags per hour. Finding the way through the airport is made
easier thanks to the augmented reality Wayfinder, enabling
real-time navigation throughout the terminal. It is also the only
airport in the region, and one of only 15 airports worldwide, to
offer U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance,
allowing travelers to bypass inspection lines upon arrival in the
U.S.
Sustainability is a core element of Zayed International, a
"Green Building certified" under the PBRS with 3 Pearls at the
design stage. Over 90% of the steel and 82% of the timber used in
constructing the new terminal is certified and from sustainable
sources, reducing the amount of raw material used and promoting the
circular economy. More than 70% of plants used at the terminal's
campus landscaping are native and adaptive species that are
drought- and saline-resistant. Water-efficient fixtures and
fittings have been installed throughout the airport, resulting in a
45% improvement over the Estidama benchmark figures.
Elena Sorlini, Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports,
said: "H1 results proves the continued success of Abu Dhabi
Airports, increasingly attracting a growing number of airlines and
passengers from around the world. Abu Dhabi Airports will continue
to invest in its facilities and services to enhance the passenger
experience and wider value proposition to satisfy existing airline
partners and common customers as well as attract new ones. With
these strong results, the airport group is well-positioned for
further growth and success in the future."
Video:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2478309/Zayed_International_Airport.mp4
Photo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2478310/Zayed_International_Airport_1.jpg
Photo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2478312/Zayed_International_Airport_2.jpg
Logo:
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2478308/Abu_Dhabi_Airports_Logo.jpg
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zayed-international-airport-passenger-traffic-surges-33-5-in-h1-2024--302217973.html
SOURCE Abu Dhabi Airports