Abu Dhabi

NBK Tower

Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi: Complete Guide

Quick Overview About Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi

Zayed International Airport (AUH) serves as Abu Dhabi's primary aviation gateway and the second-largest airport facility in the United Arab Emirates. Located in the capital's central district opposite Masdar City, the airport processes approximately 45 million passengers annually through its state-of-the-art Terminal A infrastructure. This comprehensive guide provides essential information for navigating airport facilities, transportation options, terminals, and passenger services.

Transportation Access to Zayed International Airport

The airport’s strategic central location enables convenient access through multiple transportation modes, accommodating diverse passenger preferences and budget requirements.

Taxi Services

TransAD operates the official taxi network servicing Zayed International Airport. Passengers can secure transportation through the following methods:

Direct Booking: Contact TransAD at 600-535353
On-Demand Service: Hail authorized taxis at designated pickup zones
Availability: 24/7 operations from arrivals and departures areas

Taxis represent the most direct transportation option for airport access, particularly for passengers with luggage or traveling during non-peak hours.

Public Bus Network

Abu Dhabi’s public bus system provides economical airport connectivity through air-conditioned vehicles operating on fixed routes.

Service Parameters:

Fare Structure: AED 4 per one-way journey
Payment Method: Hafilat smart card (required for all public bus transactions)
Stop Locations: Clearly marked with blue and white signage outside arrivals and departures terminals
Dubai Connection: Shuttle service to Ibn Battuta Mall Bus Stop available at AED 36 (advance online booking recommended)

The Hafilat smart card can be purchased and loaded at various retail locations throughout Abu Dhabi. This transportation option suits budget-conscious travelers and those familiar with public transit systems.

Public Bus Network

Multiple international and regional car rental operators maintain 24/7 kiosks within the airport facility, providing immediate vehicle access for arriving passengers.

Available Providers:

Avis
Dollar Rent a Car
Europcar
Hertz
Thrifty Car Rental

Rental services facilitate autonomous travel for passengers planning extended stays or requiring flexible transportation throughout their visit.

Terminal Infrastructure and Operations

Zayed International Airport operates through a comprehensive terminal system designed to accommodate high passenger volumes while maintaining operational efficiency.

Historical Terminal Development

The airport’s infrastructure evolved through four distinct terminal facilities, reflecting capacity expansion and modernization initiatives.

Terminal 1 (T1) - Decommissioned

Inaugurated in 1974 as Abu Dhabi’s first commercial aviation facility, Terminal 1 featured the distinctive circular gate configuration that defined early airport architecture. The terminal was subdivided into Terminal 1A and Terminal 1B sections to manage passenger flow. Despite modernization efforts including updated check-in systems and arrivals processing, Terminal 1 ceased operations following Terminal A’s completion.

Terminal 2 (T2) - Decommissioned

Positioned west of Terminal 1 in a separate building structure, Terminal 2 represented the airport’s smallest operational facility. Infrastructure included:

19 check-in counters
3 bus-boarding gates
2 baggage claim belts

This terminal has been decommissioned.

Terminal 3 (T3) - Standby Status

Terminal 3 was constructed as a direct expansion of Terminal 1, specifically designed to accommodate Etihad Airways operations and Airbus A380 aircraft. The facility featured:

Departure gates 28-35 and 58-61
Extensive duty-free retail zone
Comprehensive food court

Terminal 3 currently maintains standby operational status for contingency capacity requirements.

Terminal A (Midfield Terminal) - Primary Operations Hub

Terminal A commenced operations on November 1, 2023, representing the airport’s most significant infrastructure investment and technological advancement.

Capacity Specifications:

Hourly Throughput: 11,000 passengers
Annual Capacity: 45 million passengers
Aircraft Accommodation: 59 simultaneous aircraft positions
Total Area: 700,000 square meters

Advanced Technology Integration

Terminal A incorporates cutting-edge systems designed to optimize passenger processing and reduce congestion:

Smart Travel System Components:

Self Check-In kiosks
Self Bag Drop stations
E-Registration portals
E-Border Gate automated immigration
Self Boarding gates

Additional Technologies:

Facial recognition systems for identity verification
Advanced baggage handling infrastructure
Biometric processing to minimize queue times

This technological framework significantly enhances operational efficiency while improving the passenger experience through reduced wait times.

Passenger Facilities and Amenities

Zayed International Airport provides comprehensive facilities designed to address diverse passenger needs throughout the travel journey.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free

Located in the Central Processor area toward Pier D, the duty-free shopping zone offers tax-exempt purchases across multiple product categories:

International fragrances and cosmetics
Luxury watches and jewelry
Regional souvenirs and cultural items
Toys and children’s products
Electronics and accessories

The duty-free facility enables passengers to make last-minute purchases or acquire premium goods at competitive pricing.

Retail Shopping Options

Terminal A houses an extensive selection of international luxury brands and local retailers:

Fashion and Accessories:

Bottega Veneta
Salvatore Ferragamo
Fendi
Hermes Paris
Kenzo
Michael Kors
Ralph Lauren
Balenciaga
Bally
Burberry
Bvlgari
Coach
Gucci
Longines

General Retail:

Muji
WHSmith
Pure Gold Jewellers
Bath & Body Works
Victoria’s Secret
Footlocker
Claire’s

Specialty Services:

Airportray
Bag Wrap
Etisalat
Virgin Mobile

Pharmacy:

Boots

Premium Airport Lounges

Airport lounges provide elevated hospitality experiences for eligible passengers, featuring complimentary amenities and comfortable environments for pre-flight relaxation.

Lounge Facilities:

Diamond Lounge: Premium third-party lounge access
Pearl Lounge: Mid-tier comfort and amenities
Salam Meet & Assist Services: Personalized airport navigation assistance
Etihad Airways First Class Lounge: Exclusive facility for Etihad First Class passengers
Etihad Airways Business Class Lounge: Dedicated space for Etihad Business Class travelers
Etihad US Premium Lounge: Specialized lounge for US-bound passengers

Standard Lounge Amenities:

Complimentary food and beverage service
High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity
Shower facilities
Comfortable seating and workspaces
Business services and charging stations

Lounge access is particularly beneficial for passengers with extended layovers or those seeking respite before long-haul flights.

Dining Establishments

The airport features diverse dining options accommodating quick service requirements and full meal experiences.

Restaurant and Café Selection:

Bottega Bar
Brioche Dorée
Culto Cafe
Jones The Grocer
Lulu Roastery
Meat District
Pana
Puro Gusto
Shawa
SO! Coffee
Starbucks
The Daily
The Majlis
Todd English Pub & Market
Urban Food Market
Vit

These establishments provide international cuisine options, regional specialties, and familiar chain restaurants to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and time constraints.

Essential Passenger Services

Beyond retail and dining, Zayed International Airport provides fundamental services supporting passenger comfort and operational needs:

Complimentary Wi-Fi: Full airport coverage with simple connection process
Prayer Rooms: Multi-faith facilities throughout terminals
Smoking Rooms: Designated enclosed areas for smokers
Baby Changing Facilities: Family-friendly amenities in restrooms
Shower Facilities: Available in lounges and select terminal areas
ATMs and Currency Exchange: Multiple locations for financial services
Baggage Wrapping: Protective service for checked luggage
Porter Service: Assisted luggage handling
Morafiq Remote Check-In: Off-site check-in service
Al Ssaada Service Center: Transaction processing and passenger assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zayed International Airport code?

The IATA code is “AUH” and the ICAO code is “OMAA”.

How many airports operate in Abu Dhabi?

Five airports serve the Abu Dhabi emirate: Zayed International Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Sir Bani Yas Island Airport, and Delma Island Airport.

Are hotels available near the airport?

AUHotel is located within the terminal. Nearby options include Aerotel Abu Dhabi and Premier Inn Abu Dhabi.

What activities are available during transit?

Passengers can access premium lounges, shop duty-free, dine at restaurants, or apply for a transit visa (if layover exceeds 4 hours) to explore Abu Dhabi.

Which items are prohibited at AUH Airport?

Banned items include narcotic drugs, weapons, counterfeit currency, goods from boycotted countries, certain pharmaceuticals, and specific live animals. Consult the official airport website for the complete list.

How do I obtain a VAT refund?

Visit tax refund service counters located in the terminal. Tourists must present eligible purchases and required documentation.

Where is the Lost and Found department?

Two locations serve passengers: Pre-immigration counter at Level 0 (Arrivals Concourse) and post-immigration desk at Level 3 (Departures).

What are the parking fees?

Parking rates start at AED 15, with full-day parking costing up to AED 125.

How do I connect to airport Wi-Fi?

Open wireless settings, select “Zayed International Airport Free Wi-Fi,” accept terms on the welcome screen, and complete registration details for internet access.