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Updated March 2024
As the second-largest airport in the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi International Airport (IATA code: AUH) has served thousands of passengers each day since 1982. It operates as the connection hub of international flights from all regions in the world and has three operational passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3.
If you’re planning on transiting or flying to or from Abu Dhabi, here’s Wego’s complete guide to the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH); arrival, departure, and the latest arrival and departure requirements.
Table of Contents
Abu Dhabi Airport terminals map
The Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), also known as the Sheikh Zayed Airport, has three terminals, including Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Find out the complete Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) map here.
Terminal 1
Being the oldest terminal in the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Terminal 1 is divided into Terminal 1A and Terminal 1B.
It offers different kinds of services and facilities, including lost luggage, currency exchange, ATMs, persons with reduced mobility services, restaurants and cafés, shops and duty-free, baggage services, prayer rooms, sleeping pods, smoking areas, showers, medical services and more.
Find out the complete Terminal 1 map here.
Terminal 2
The smallest of the three Terminals, Terminal 2, is located in a separate building west of Terminal 1 and mostly handles low-carrier budget flights.
Terminal 2 consists of a single level with an arrival and departure area that offers different kinds of services and facilities, including check-in facilities, lost luggage, currency exchange, ATMs, persons with reduced mobility services, restaurants and cafés, and more.
Find out the complete Terminal 2 map here.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi airport was originally designed exclusively for Etihad Airways and its Airbus A380s. While it’s the newest terminal among the three, it was constructed as an extension of Terminal 1 on the west side. However, Etihad Airways is in the process of relocating to its new main facility, Terminal A, formerly referred to as the Midfield Terminal.
Travelling with us soon? Find out everything you need to know about our move to our new home: https://t.co/Cli8Mhk9pM pic.twitter.com/WZj1uedBlA
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) November 1, 2023
During the period from November 1st to November 8th, all Etihad Airways flights will still use Terminal 3. Subsequently, the relocation process will commence from November 9th to November 14th. If you have an Etihad Airways flight during this period, it’s crucial to double-check your terminal information within 72 hours of your scheduled flight.
Ultimately, on November 14, 2023, the complete transfer will be executed. Starting at 11 am on that day, all Etihad Airways flights will operate exclusively from Terminal A.
The Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 3 features departure gates 28–35 and 58–61, a large duty-free and a food court area with multiple dining choices.
Find out the complete Terminal 3 map here.
Terminal A
Abu Dhabi airport will be inaugurating its new 700,000 square metres-huge, $2.94-billion Terminal A, formerly known as Midfield Terminal, on UAE National Day, i.e. December 2, 2023. The new terminal building, once complete, will be able to accommodate 11,000 passengers per hour or 45 million passengers annually.
After the opening of the new terminal, old terminals 1 and 2 will be permanently shut down. Terminal 3 will be used as a standby facility. Depending upon traffic, it could also be converted into a remote boarding lounge or a standalone terminal, including landside, for example, for budget carriers. There will also be a road tunnel connecting Midfield Terminal to Terminal 3 to facilitate easy connections for passengers.
For more details about the Midfield Terminal, check out our dedicated article.
https://blog.wego.com/midfield-terminal/
How to check for Abu Dhabi Airport flight status, departures, and arrivals?
To check the flight status, departures, and arrivals of the Abu Dhabi Airport, you can visit the official website of the airport here.
Abu Dhabi Airport arrival
Immigration
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not require a visa to enter the UAE:
- if you are a GCC citizen, no entry visa is required.
- if you are a citizen of one of the following countries, you will be issued a free-of-charge visit visa upon entry:
- UK, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Finland, Spain, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Hungary, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, Cyprus, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
- if you are a citizen of any other country, you will need to apply for a visa through your nearest UAE embassy. In some cases, your airline may be able to help you. An eye scan will be required at the airport.
Please note that visa requirements are subject to change. Always check with your travel agent or nearest UAE embassy before travelling.
For more information, visit the official Abu Dhabi Airport website.
Customs
Some of the customs and strict laws that apply regarding the import of specific items into the UAE are:
Security checks upon arrival
Follow the arrivals and exit signs to passport control. After passing through passport control, you will arrive at the baggage carousels. Once you have collected your luggage, you will pass through customs control. If you have nothing to declare, simply pass through.
Duty-free allowances
Each traveler is permitted to bring the following with them into the United Arab Emirates (UAE):
- 4 liters of alcohol or one carton / 24 cans of beer
- AED 2,000 (USD 544.51) worth of cigarettes or 400 sticks of cigarettes
- AED 3,000 (USD 816.77) worth of gifts, including perfume
- AED 3,000 (USD 816.77) worth of cigars
- 2 kilograms of tobacco
Please note that important to know which substances or items are illegal or restricted before entering the UAE.
Drugs and medication
- the UAE has a zero-tolerance drug policy. Possession of even tiny amounts of illegal drugs will result in imprisonment.
- a doctor’s prescription should be carried along with any medication that is brought into the country. Some drugs and medications that may be purchased over the counter in other countries are classified as controlled substances in the UAE and are illegal to possess. A person may be arrested and prosecuted if in possession of prescribed or over-the-counter medicines containing, for example, codeine or similar ingredients.
- please contact your nearest UAE embassy or consulate for advice if you need to bring medications or other drugs into the country.
- controlled substances such as cannabis, opium etc., are banned, and the penalties for handling these drugs are severe.
Firearms and weapons
The importation of firearms and dangerous weapons is restricted.
Print, audio, video or other media
- religious propaganda and potentially offensive printed materials, CDs, videos or films should not be brought into the country.
- strict copyright laws are being enforced in the UAE, and pirated videos and audiotapes or illegal computer software will be confiscated.
Money
The UAE has a robust system in place to combat money laundering and suspicious financial activities. Hence passengers are required to declare and submit the appropriate forms to customs officials upon entering and departing the UAE.
In line with international criteria and global best practices, when entering or exiting the UAE, you are required to declare cash or any other financial instrument exceeding AED 100,000. However, there is no restriction on the amount of cash that you may carry.
Luggage reclaim
Passengers are required to keep their baggage tag receipt (a sticker given to them at check-in) until they have collected their bags on arrival. The tag receipt helps the ground handling staff track their bags in case any problem arises.
The clearly visible screens in the baggage reclaim hall indicate the number of the conveyor belt for the passengers’ flight. Please ensure that you are waiting at the correct conveyor belt.
For more information on luggage reclaim, visit here.
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Abu Dhabi Airport departure
Airport check-in guidelines
Make sure to follow the following airport check-in guidelines at the Abu Dhabi Airport:
- you should allow plenty of time for the check-in process.
- check-in usually starts at least four (4) hours before flight departure for Etihad and three (3) hours before flight departure for all other airlines and closes one (1) hour before flight departure. However, this may vary from airline to airline. Please make sure that you check the instructions on your ticket or consult your travel agent or airline website. Make sure to contact your airline directly in case of any doubt.
- each flight has been assigned an Individual check-in time. You can minimize your time in queues by arriving at the Smart Check-In Time for your flight. Find out your flight’s Smart Check-In time on the airport’s official Flight Status page here.
- please make sure to check that you have all the required documents, including a valid passport, air ticket or booking confirmation and visa for your destination country (if applicable), before proceeding to the check-in counter.
Online and remote check-in
Many airlines offer online check-in, allowing passengers to take a printout of their own boarding pass and select their own seat 24 hours before the flight. This check-in procedure can save a lot of time, as passengers will only be required to go to the Bag Drop counter.
Abu Dhabi International Airport also offers remote check-in options for some airlines, allowing passengers to check their bags up to 24 hours before they arrive at the airport.
What are some Abu Dhabi Airport lounges and hotels?
Abu Dhabi Airport lounges
The following are some of the Abu Dhabi Airport lounges:
Terminal 1- Al Dhabi Lounge
With hot and cold beverages served at the open bar and sandwiches and snacks available 24 hours a day, the Al Dhabi Lounge in Terminal 1 of the Abu Dhabi Airport allows passengers to relax and enjoy their time before boarding their flight at the airport.
Passengers can also catch up on their business and check their email with complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the lounge area. Furthermore, the lounge also provides workstations, prayer rooms, seated massage chairs and many more.
Please note that the Al Dhabi Lounge in Terminal 1 will not be accessible by Etihad Airways passengers.
For more information, visit the Al Dhabi Lounge in Terminal 1 link here.
Terminal 1- Etihad Premium Lounge
The Etihad Premium Lounge in Terminal 1 is only accessible by the passengers eligible to use the premium lounge, including Etihad Business Class and Etihad Airways Partner airline passengers travelling in Business Class.
The Etihad Premium Lounge offers all-day dining with an international buffet, numerous dining areas, coffee stations, playrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, TV Dens, a smoking room, bathrooms with showers, and many more features that make travelling pleasant and comforting for the passengers of all age groups.
For more information, visit the Etihad Premium Lounge in Terminal 1 link here.
Terminal 3- Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa
Offering hospitality and services that are comparable to a 5-star hotel, the Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa sets a benchmark ahead of your luxurious flight with all the space you need to work, play or relax.
The Residence guests, Etihad First Class guests travelling in First Class onwards from Abu Dhabi, Etihad Guest Platinum members plus one guest, and eligible guests from Etihad Airways Partner airlines can access the Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa in Terminal 3 of the Abu Dhabi Airport.
For more information, visit the Etihad First Class Lounge & Spa in Terminal 3 link here.
Terminal 3- Etihad Premium Lounge
With a wide range of services and facilities ranging from all-day dining to an international buffet and treatments, including massages and facials at the Six Senses Spa, to offering play rooms for kids, smoking areas, and complimentary wifi services, the Etihad Premium Lounge sets the tone for your lavish flight ahead.
The Etihad Business Class guests travelling in Business Class onwards from Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airline Partner Business Class, and the eligible guests from Etihad Airways Partner airlines can access the Etihad Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 of the Abu Dhabi Airport.
For more information, visit the Etihad Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 link here.
Some of the other lounges at the Abu Dhabi Airport include Terminal 3- Etihad Premium Lounge and the Etihad Arrivals Lounge at Terminals 1 and 3. Please visit the Abu Dhabi Airport website to find out more information regarding the Lounges.
Abu Dhabi Airport hotels
The following are the Abu Dhabi Airport hotels:
Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel
Specifically designed to accommodate travelers in transit, the Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel in Terminal 1 of the Abu Dhabi International Airport provides its transit travelers immaculate accommodation services and suitable booking hours.
Furthermore, each room in the Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel has been furnished with luxury bedding, powerful shower facilities, resilient support mattress, various pillow options and complimentary bath amenities.
Travelers can also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access, wake-up call, the solo room that best serves single guests who require a quick power sleep, and many other amazing facilities, that make their journey cozy and thrilling.
For more information, please visit the Abu Dhabi Airport Hotel link here.
Premier Inn hotel
An ideal place for both business and leisure travelers, the Premier Inn Hotel, situated next to the Skypark building opposite the main terminal, offers guests a tempting blend of comfortable hotel rooms, convenient business services and enviable leisure facilities, including free internet access, a swimming pool, and a gym, free shuttle bus services and more.
Furthermore, the hotel also has direct access to Terminals 1 and 3 via the Skypark retail corridor.
For more information, please visit the Premier Inn Hotel link here.
Abu Dhabi Airport contact number
You can contact the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at +971 2 505 5555 to speak to one of their customer service advisers. Furthermore, you can find out information related to Etihad Airways here.
For information related to other operating airlines, refer to the link here.
How can I get to Abu Dhabi Airport?
Abu Dhabi International Airport is located opposite Masdar City in the heart of the capital. The central location of the airport makes it easily accessible by different transportation services, including public transport, taxis, private chauffeur services and more.
Here are all the transportation options available to access the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH):
Public transport
The air-conditioned bus to and from the airport and Abu Dhabi city is both an economical and comfortable mode of transport. The bus runs from the three terminals and stops at all legal bus stops going into the city.
It is available at the following points:
- the lower curbside outside Terminals 1 and 3 and outside Terminal 2
- the Cargo Building
- the Police Complex
Please note that all bus stops are clearly indicated with blue and white signs.
Find out more information about the public transport service here.
Taxi
The Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) offers passengers around-the-clock luxury airport taxi services with professional drivers offered from the airport.
The taxi service is available in all three terminals. Regardless of which terminal you arrive at, you will find a reliable, 24-hour metered taxi service ready to transport you to your final destination.
Find out more about Abu Dhabi International Airport’s (AUH) taxi services from here.
Car rentals
The Abu Dhabi International Airport offers car rental services, with both international and local car rental offices being open 24 hours a day at the airport. They are located in Skypark Plaza, opposite Terminal 3, Skypark Plaza. You can find out the car park locations on the Abu Dhabi International Airport map here.
Find out more about Abu Dhabi International Airport’s (AUH) car rental services from here.
Etihad chauffeur and coach
The Etihad chauffeur and coach services are exclusively offered to passengers travelling with Etihad Airways.
Passengers travelling in First or Business Class can enjoy the convenience of the free Etihad Chauffeur service for departure and arrival transfers anywhere in the UAE, and it can be requested online up to 24 hours prior to your flight.
Alternatively, Economy Class passengers of Etihad Airways can use the free Etihad coach services to Dubai and Al Ain when arriving or departing from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The Etihad Coach service can also be requested online up to 24 hours prior to the flight.
Please visit the Etihad Airways website for bookings and further information regarding this service, or you can find out more about Etihad chauffeur and coach from here.
Furthermore, you can also find out the directions to reach the Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) from Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi here.
Abu Dhabi Airport parking
Whether you are leaving your car at the airport while you travel or picking up or dropping off a passenger, the airport offers a number of convenient parking options. Once you get to the airport, you can park your vehicle in the Short Term car park. Find out where to park here. From the car park, follow the signs to enter the terminal building.
Short Stay
A short stay is ideal for picking up or dropping off passengers. Refer to the car parking tariff below to decide on your choice. The rates are in UAE Dirham (AED) based on duration and are subject to 5% VAT.
| Duration | Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 Car Park | Terminal 2 and Garden Parking Car Park |
| 0-30 mins | 10 | 5 |
| 30 – 60 mins | 20 | 10 |
| Each additional hour | 10 | 5 |
| 24 hours | 240 | 120 |
Valet
If you arrive by your own car at the airport, you can rely on our valet parking service to park your car carefully for the duration you want. Simply pull up to the curbside next to Departures in front of Terminals 1 and 3 (the terminals are adjacent to each other). No bookings are needed.
