Abu Dhabi International Airport tests out new Terminal A operations

Abu Dhabi Airports is conducting its largest live trial and testing exercise to date, with more than 6,000 community volunteers for the new Terminal A ahead of its opening in November.

The systems and processes being tested include check-in and baggage, security screening, boarding gates, immigration and customs. At immigration, volunteers are testing the speed and accuracy of the process for passengers, fine-tuning documents and customs inspections.

The operational trials involve playing an essential part in robust simulations that are designed to stress-test equipment, staff and procedures in key operating areas of the terminal.

In addition to Abu Dhabi Airports staff members, the volunteers include students, families and stakeholders from the aviation ecosystem.

Meanwhile, at boarding and departure, tests included scanning the boarding passes of volunteers and assessing procedural preparedness to communicate changes in flight information.

Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “Our commitment to excellence has driven our journey to prepare for Terminal A’s opening, as we are focused on conducting extensive large-scale assessments to ensure the speed, efficiency and delivery of operations. I would like to thank the volunteers who have participated in these trials for their unwavering support as we gear up to welcome passengers to Terminal A in November.”

Covering 742,000 square metres of built-up area, Terminal A is among the largest airport terminals in the world and will significantly increase Abu Dhabi International Airport’s passenger and cargo capacity contributing to the acceleration of the emirate’s economic growth.

With the capability to handle 45 million passengers per year and process 11,000 passengers per hour, the terminal will provide the foundation of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector expansion and cement its position as a global gateway and aviation hub.

During September and October, Abu Dhabi Airports will continue to embark on large-scale test exercises of Terminal A’s facilities and are welcoming participation from volunteers.

To take part in the trials, visit https://www.volunteers.ae/list.

.@AD_Airports is engaging Abu Dhabi community volunteers to help test equipment, staff and passenger processes at the new Terminal A at @AUH ahead of it beginning operations in November 2023. pic.twitter.com/ixsQuSPtYn

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) September 16, 2023