Etihad became the national carrier and the home airline in 2003
Abu Dhabi Airports recently marked the 40th anniversary of the official opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
“Abu Dhabi International Airport has connected the world to Abu Dhabi for 40 years and fuelled the emirate’s emergence as a leading destination for tourism, trade and commerce,” asserted HE Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports.
The airport was first conceived in 1974 and construction on the new airport began in 1979 and the new Abu Dhabi International Airport was officially opened on January 2, 1982 featuring a circular satellite terminal with a single connection to a semi-circular terminal.
Etihad became the national carrier and the home airline in 2003 which was a catalyst for rapid growth and paved the way for the opening of Terminal 2 in September 2005, a second runway (Runway 13L/31R) in 2008 and Terminal 3 in January 2009 boosting the airport’s capacity to 12 million passengers per year.
Technology will also be front-and-centre at the airport’s new Midfield Terminal Building. Construction of the Midfield Terminal Complex started in 2012 and is now 97% complete. Once opened, the Midfield Terminal Building will accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year whilst providing an exceptional passenger experience for the next 40 years. “Abu Dhabi International has a proud history of providing world-class infrastructure and top-flight service whilst serving as a catalyst for growth for 40 of our proud nation’s 50 years of achievement,” commented Shareef Al Hashmi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports.
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