Welcome to Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A – the new home of Etihad Airways.
Terminal A is more than just a new terminal. It’s our commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences, where seamless connectivity, remarkable hospitality and exceptional comfort converge to create unforgettable journeys.
Terminal A is a testament to our promise to transform travel into an experience like no other, where every moment is curated, every experience is exceptional, and every destination is within reach.
Terminal A effortlessly integrates technology, infrastructure and best-in-class services to streamline the travel experience.
Every aspect of the terminal has been meticulously designed to enhance connectivity, minimise stress and maximise the joy of exploration; like interconnected biometric systems and self-service kiosks for a completely digitised journey.
Positioned at the heart of the globe and with a focus on comfort, convenience and connectivity, Terminal A is a premier destination for transit and connecting flights. Stop over in Abu Dhabi and transfer seamlessly across Asia, Africa, Europe and beyond.
We understand that smooth journeys start with a seamless check-in. That’s why we’ve introduced dedicated check-in areas, separate entrances, valet services and recommended parking areas for each cabin.
We recommend all eligible guests online check-in from 30 hours before their departure to save even more time. Guests also have the option to home check-in or city check-in, which enable them to arrive at the airport luggage free!
Checking in for your flight in Economy is quick and easy with a dedicated entrance through Doors 1 – 3. There are 26 check-in desks, 14 biometric-led self-service kiosks, and a conveniently located guest service desk.
Help yourself to a cool refreshment and let us handle the rest.
And with a separate entrance and immigration lane just for Business Class flyers, you can look forward to fast-tracking through the airport with ease.
Let our team show you to a seat in our dedicated check-in area and enjoy a drink whilst we take care of everything else.
When you’re ready, fast-track through immigration thanks to a dedicated lane for guests of First Class and The Residence.
The state-of-the-art airport lounges in Terminal A haven’t just been designed with comfort and convenience in mind; they’ve been expertly created to ensure that your trip starts brilliantly.
Located between Piers C and D, the First Class and Business Class Lounges have everything you need to make sure you’re rested and ready for the next part of your journey.
Where applicable, you can even board your flight directly from the airport lounge.
The arrivals experience at Terminal A is all about convenience, so you can look forward to beginning your Abu Dhabi adventure – or the next part of your journey – swiftly.
When you’ve collected your bags, follow the signs to meet your pre-booked Etihad Chauffeur, or use our Etihad Coach service to get to Dubai or Al Ain quickly and easily. Etihad Coach is complimentary if you pre book in advance.
And if you need help, our team will be on hand. Just visit the Etihad Help Desk, situated in Arrivals.
E-gates with passport and eye scan.
Immigration counters.
Baggage reclaim belts.
Average walking time from gate to curb.
If you've booked our chauffeur service, collect your bags then head left toward baggage belt 10 and follow the signs for Etihad Chauffeur. There you’ll meet your driver, and it’s also the perfect place to unwind and freshen up after your flight.
Whether you’re stopping over for a few days or connecting to another flight, Abu Dhabi is an ideal transit destination.
Its strategic location in the heart of the Middle East makes it a global aviation hub, connecting you seamlessly from Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond in just a few hours. And with a focus on comfort, efficiency and speed, the opening of Terminal A means you’ll no longer see your transfer as a necessity, but as an experience in itself.
State-of-the-art facilities, a modern and spacious terminal, and an extensive choice of shopping and dining outlets cater perfectly to everything you need whilst you wait for your transfer flight.
And if you have a bit longer, easy and convenient transport links make it simple to explore the bustling capital of the UAE. But one of the best parts? You can even stop over for free.
If you’re catching a connecting flight in Abu Dhabi, you can look forward to a quick and smooth transfer. Follow the steps below and you’ll be at the gate for your next flight in 15 minutes.
When you arrive, follow the Transfers signs.
If you need help, head to the Transfer Services desks.
You’ll go through transfer screening, then continue one level down for duty free, dining, and Departures.
If you’re flying to the US, you may be able to use our US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility, which enables you to clear US immigration before you leave Abu Dhabi. So you’ll be free to start your trip as soon as you land in the US.
Terminal A is located less than 20 minutes from Yas Island – the entertainment capital of Abu Dhabi – and about 30 minutes from the city centre and major attractions like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Taxis are easy to get from the airport and there’s no need to book in advance.
Our state-of-the-art Business Class Lounge is complimentary for Silver and Gold members flying in Economy. And Gold members are also invited to use our dedicated Business Class check-in area, with a separate drop off entrance and immigration lane.
If you’re a Platinum member travelling in Economy, take a seat in our First Class check-in area when you arrive in Terminal A and let our team take care of you. Fast-track through immigration then unwind the private sanctuary of our First Class Lounge, complimentary for you and a guest.
We understand that what really matters when you fly are facilities and services personalised to you. So tell us what type of traveller you are and we’ll show how we can help make your journey that little bit smoother.
To and from the airport
Check-in and baggage
Airport facilities
Find out more about flying with children
Help and support
If you already have a boarding pass for your connecting flight, please check the flight information display screens when you land and head to your gate.
If you don’t have a boarding pass or you need any help, please visit our transfer desks, located near the transfer facility on Level 3.
If you have a connecting flight in Abu Dhabi, it is recommended that you give yourself extra time to reach your gate. Typically, it takes around 15 minutes, which includes transfer screening. Our service buggies can help you reach your terminal, but they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you need extra support to reach your gate, you can request assistance before you fly at etihad.com/manage.
The minimum connection time for most flights is 60 minutes, and for US flights, it is 120 minutes. A bigger terminal and more facilities mean a bit more walking. Keep this in mind when it’s time to head to the gate and consider using our travellators.
If you’re eligible for a visa on arrival, you can leave the airport to explore Abu Dhabi between connecting flights. Otherwise, you can apply for a visa before you travel to the UAE. The visa you need will depend on the length of your trip.
Find out more about visas
From November 15, The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility will only be available for select flights. We’ll let you know if your flight is eligible for US customs pre-clearance ahead of your trip.
From 11am on 14 November, all flights will operate to and from Terminal A in Abu Dhabi. If you’re flying with us before this time, we’ll let you know which terminal you’re flying from and help you move between terminals if you need to.
Please remember to check your flight details and terminal information carefully before you travel at etihad.com/manage and check our flight information display screens at the airport.
Yes! Our self-service kiosks are available throughout the terminal, where you can drop your bags if you’ve checked in online.
Our lounges will be fully operational in Terminal A from 9 am on 14 November. If you’re flying with us before then, our lounges will be open during selected times only. Located between Piers C and D, our First Class and Business Class Lounges have everything you need to make sure you’re well rested ahead if your flight; from delicious complimentary food and areas to work or relax, to rooms dedicated to families and a rooftop lounge.
You can use our lounges for free depending on your Etihad Guest Tier Status, or if you’re flying in Business or First on an Etihad-operated flight. Flying in Economy? You can pay to use our lounges.
More about our lounges
If you’ve booked our chauffeur service, collect your bags then head left and follow the signs for Etihad Chauffeur. Located close to baggage reclaim belt 10, you won’t need to pass through customs. There you’ll meet your driver, and it’s also the perfect place to unwind and freshen up after your flight.
For Etihad Coach, please head to the kerb area in arrivals. Coaches depart from the right-hand side of the kerb in front of the terminal as you face the kerb.
You can get a visa on arrival in Abu Dhabi if you are a citizen of certain countries. If you're not eligible for a visa on arrival, you'll need to apply before you travel to the UAE.
Visa processing can take up to four days.
Abu Dhabi Airport provides a complimentary bus service to help you move between the terminals. The ride from Terminal 3 to Terminal A takes approximately five minutes, while the ride from Terminal A to Terminal 3 takes around 10 minutes.
Currently, there are no hotels in Terminal A. However, a new hotel is planned to open in the future.
In the meantime, our state-of-the-art lounges are open in Terminal A for you to rest and relax in between flights. You’re invited to use our lounges if you’re flying in The Residence, First or Business Class, or you’re an Etihad Guest Silver, Gold or Platinum member. You can also pay to use a lounge subject to availability.
Alternatively, if you have a long transit time in Abu Dhabi, our choice of stopover packages include complimentary accommodation in hotels close to the airport and across Abu Dhabi.
