UAE. Abu Dhabi Airports has expanded a number of key passenger facilities in a bid to improve the traveller experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 1.
The move is part of the Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP) aimed at managing the growth in passenger numbers ahead of the opening of the Midfield Terminal in 2017. The investment should also boost commercial dwell times.
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Abu Dhabi Airports Chairman H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori and senior management officially open the new T1 facilities on Sunday |
Passenger flows have been reconfigured, including:
*The installation of 350m of new walkways directly linking the passenger arrival gates to the immigration halls and transfer screening facilities;
*The opening of nine new Code E aircraft stands to accommodate the increasing number of large and wide-bodied aircraft at the airport;
*The introduction of 16 new x-ray screening machines, capable of processing 2,000 transfer passengers per hour, accelerating passenger movement and reducing waiting times;
*Further enhancing passenger flow by enabling transfer passengers arriving at Terminal 1 to proceed directly to Terminal 3 without the need for further screening.
Abu Dhabi Airports noted: “These upgrades to the Terminal 1 infrastructure will significantly improve passengers’ experience. The whole screening process has been improved to increase efficiency as well as security. Passengers will have more space in which to move about and will spend less time queuing, giving them more of an opportunity to enjoy the multiple retail, F&B and entertainment facilities on offer.”
The improvements to passenger flows inside Terminal 1 are being complemented by a new road network that will enhance airport access.
The new Terminal 1 facilities were opened on Sunday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Board of Abu Dhabi Airports.
Unveiling the new facilities, H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are very pleased to have completed the next phase of our ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme, which is aimed at ensuring that Abu Dhabi International airport is properly equipped to handle the increasing growth in passenger numbers.
“Starting today, passengers will find the whole experience of moving around Terminal 1 simpler, easier and more enjoyable. This upgrade to our facilities is part of a continuing programme aimed at delivering the best possible passenger experience, using the most advanced and most innovative means at our disposal.”
He added: “Looking ahead, there are a number of ongoing initiatives in and around the airport which will achieve the same purpose. We are firm in our intention to become a leading global air transportation hub and in order to do so, we need to ensure that all parts of a passenger’s journey into and out of terminal buildings, aircraft stands, and runways at Abu Dhabi International Airport is as easy and as comfortable as possible and to increase both processing speed, and passenger and aircraft flow.”
