Abu Dhabi's gateway, renamed to honor the UAE's founding father.
Opened
1982
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Zayed International Airport, formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, serves as the primary airport of the United Arab Emirates capital. It was renamed in 2023 in honor of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. The airport serves as the main hub for Etihad Airways and handles tens of millions of passengers annually.
A major expansion project introduced a new Terminal A, one of the largest airport terminal buildings in the world by floor area, which opened in late 2023. The terminal features advanced passenger processing technology, extensive retail and dining options, and a design inspired by UAE heritage and landscape.
The airport connects Abu Dhabi to destinations across six continents, playing a vital strategic role in the UAE's ambitions as a global aviation hub and supporting the emirate's broader economic diversification goals.
Terminals
The airport features the newly opened Terminal A, a massive facility that consolidates operations and replaced older terminal buildings upon its inauguration in 2023.
Getting to & from
Ground transport options include taxis, ride-hailing services, and airport bus connections linking the airport to central Abu Dhabi, with a future metro link planned.
Airlines here
Etihad Airways is the primary hub carrier, with numerous international airlines including Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, flydubai, and carriers from Europe, Asia, and North America also operating services.
Notable facts
- ›Terminal A is among the largest airport terminal buildings in the world, covering approximately 742,000 square meters.
- ›The airport was renamed Zayed International Airport in 2023 in honor of UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
- ›Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier, uses the airport as its primary hub.
- ›The airport handled over 23 million passengers in 2022 and has capacity targets exceeding 45 million annually with the new terminal.
- ›The airport's ICAO code is OMAA and it is located approximately 30 kilometers east of Abu Dhabi city center.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
