One of the great things about living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is how easily you can travel to other destinations when you’re a UAE resident. Whether you’re heading home for the holidays, jetting off on a weekend getaway, or going on a business trip, Abu Dhabi airport is where it all begins.
The airport was officially renamed Zayed International Airport in 2024, in honour of UAE late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, after undergoing a state-of-the-art makeover.
In this Remitly guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make your next journey smooth and simple, whether you’re a first time traveller or experienced globe trotter.
Quick guide to Abu Dhabi airport
Before we get into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of the essential things to know about the Abu Dhabi airport:
- Official name: Zayed International Airport (AUH).
- Location: Approximately 30 kilometres (18.5 miles) east of Abu Dhabi city centre, via Route E10.
- Terminals: Terminal A is the main operational hub, serving all airlines including Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia, British Airways, and more than 30 other international carriers. Terminals 1 and 3 are no longer in regular use.
- Destinations: Connecting Abu Dhabi to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, flights from Zayed International land at over 120 passenger destinations worldwide.
- Operating hours: 24/7.
- Facilities: Prayer rooms, designated smoking cabins, airport lounges, luggage storage, 163 food and beverage as well as retail outlets, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and an airside transit hotel.
Getting there: Transport and parking at Abu Dhabi airport
Its convenient location just outside of the city means that it’s easy to reach Abu Dhabi airport whether you have your own car, are taking public transport, or even coming from Dubai.
Driving and parking
There are several parking options at Abu Dhabi airport for travellers who choose to drive themselves to the terminal.
The short-term parking is ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. It’s free to park for five minutes and will cost 15 dirhams to park for six to 15 minutes. This makes it the perfect option for when you’re meeting someone or dropping a traveller off. But costs do add up quickly for longer stays.
Long-term parking is the best option if you’re planning on leaving your car at the airport while you travel. There are a variety of options, with Economy Parking being the most affordable and Skypark offering more premium pricing.
It’s best to pre-book your parking online. This not only secures your spot, but often unlocks promotional rates. Planning ahead like this can save you quite a bit of time and money.
Public transport and shuttles
There are efficient and affordable public transport options that you can use to get to Zayed International Airport.
The bus is a great option if you don’t have a car and are on a budget. The A1 and A2 Abu Dhabi City bus routes connect the airport to the city centre 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Buses depart every 30 to 40 minutes and take around an hour to reach the airport.
If you’re living in Dubai but are flying out of Abu Dhabi airport, you can use the AUH Express shuttle bus service to reach the terminal. Like the city buses, the AUH Express runs 24/7 and departs hourly. The best place to catch it is from the Ibn Battuta Bus Station in Dubai.
The service is free for Etihad Airways customers, but you’ll have to pay if you’re flying with another airline.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis and similar services likely provide the best combination of flexibility and convenience. Especially if you have lots of luggage and don’t want to leave your car parked in long-term parking.
Abu Dhabi has designated drop-off and pick-up zones for Uber, Careem, and registered airport taxis just outside the arrivals area. All you need to do is request a ride through your preferred app and your driver will meet you at the spot.
Welcome to Terminal A: The new Abu Dhabi airport hub
Since opening in 2023, the award-winning Terminal A at Zayed International Airport has changed the way passengers experience travelling from Abu Dhabi.
The terminal handles all flights and all major carriers, including Etihad Airways, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Air Arabia, British Airways, Air France, and other international airlines, operate from this point.
Each of the four piers in the X-shaped design is themed around Abu Dhabi’s desert, sea, city, and oasis landscapes, giving travellers a taste of what’s on offer beyond passport control. It isn’t just aesthetically impressive, though, it’s engineered for efficiency.
Despite its enormous size (the airport can handle up to 45 million passengers annually), the layout minimises walking time and streamlines the journey from check-in to boarding. This makes connecting flights easier and gives passengers a more consistent experience across airlines.
Check-in and immigration made simple
Cutting-edge technology at Terminal A in Abu Dhabi airport has cut down the amount of time passengers need to spend going through the usual travel motions.
Smart Travel
Zayed International Airport’s Smart Travel system is a game-changer for UAE residents. It allows you to move through check-in, immigration, and boarding using biometric and facial recognition. That means you don’t have to repeatedly present your passport or boarding pass before your board.
By using your Emirates ID at the e-gates, you can dramatically reduce the amount of time spent verifying your identity. The Abu Dhabi authorities claim that the system cuts processing time from 25 seconds to just 7 seconds per passenger. That means shorter queues and less stress for travellers.
The system initially launched with Etihad Airways, but is steadily being rolled out to others. Be sure to check whether your flight is eligible.
Self check-in services
Terminal A has multiple self-service kiosks with biometric scanners where you can check in, print your boarding passes and baggage tags, and even drop off your luggage without needing to queue at the check-in desk.
These self-service options are particularly useful during busy periods when staffed desks have long lines. The intuitive interface guides you through the process step by step, and airport staff are always nearby if you need assistance.
Home check-in
One of the most innovative services on offer at Abu Dhabi airport is the Home Check-in through Morafiq. It quite literally brings the airport to your doorstep.
Available to passengers who are departing from Zayed International Airport (excluding US-bound travellers), this service brings airside agents to your home or hotel in Abu Dhabi to weigh your bags, print boarding passes, and complete check-in.
Etihad First and The Residence passengers receive the service for free, while others can book it for a fee through the Morafiq app.
Home check-in can be done at any time of the day or night, but must be booked five or more hours prior to your departure time. This little bit of planning allows you to head straight to immigration when you arrive at the airport, completely bypassing the check-in queues.
US pre-clearance: A unique benefit
Abu Dhabi airport is home to the only US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pre-clearance facility in the Middle East and Asia. A big win for anyone flying Stateside.
This pre-clearance facility allows passengers taking Etihad Airways flights to the US to complete US immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections before they board their flight. This means you land in America as a domestic arrival, avoiding the often long queues at US airports.
Clearing customs in Abu Dhabi is particularly beneficial if you have an onward journey from your first destination in the US. For example, if you’re travelling to Memphis after landing in New York.
Although it does save a lot of time when you arrive in the US, pre-clearance adds time to your departing leg. Etihad recommends arriving at the airport at least four hours prior to departure (as opposed to the usual three) if you’re planning on using this service.
Relax and recharge: Lounges and facilities
There are plenty of things to do and ways to unwind once you’ve breezed through check-in and security at Zayed International Airport.
Dining and shopping
Terminal A has an extensive collection of dining options, from quick grab-and-go cafes to sit-down restaurants that serve international cuisine. Whether you’re looking for Arabic mezze, Asian fusion, or a plain old burger and chips, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.
The duty-free shopping area spans 35,000 square metres, with more than 163 retail outlets. Here, you can shop everything from luxury brands to local souvenirs, last-minute gifts, and travel essentials.
Lounges
There are two lounge options available to travellers in Abu Dhabi airport:
- Pearl Lounge: Located near Gate D43, the Pearl Lounge has a large outdoor terrace, indoor seating, buffet dining, and shower facilities. It’s open 24/7 and serves Priority Pass holders, credit card programme members, and cash-paying visitors.
- Etihad first and business class lounges: Passengers who are flying with Etihad or who hold elite status with the airline can access their spectacular lounges. Each features sleeping rooms, shower suites, and bars, and offers made-to-order meals.
Transit hotel
If you have a very long layover and need to get some good rest between flights without going through immigration, you can check into the AUHotel in Terminal A. It’s located next to the Pearl Lounge on Pier D.
This transit hotel has a variety of twin, double, and family rooms that you can book for 12 to 24 hours. You’ll get a private bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, along with a variety of other in-room amenities.
It’s the perfect spot for catching up on sleep, freshening up with a shower, or simply getting some peace and quiet between flights. Just be sure to bring your boarding pass along when you check-in, as it’s a requirement.
Start your journey with confidence
Zayed International Airport (still often called Abu Dhabi airport) has made major investments into making Terminal A one of the world’s most efficient and passenger-friendly terminals. And it shows.
Check-in and security procedures that used to take hours now take minutes thanks to the airport’s thoughtful design. Whether you’re a nervous first-time flyer or a seasoned traveller, the combination of intuitive signage, helpful staff, and smart technology means you’ll be able to navigate the terminal with ease.
The real key to a stress-free airport experience is a little forward planning. Book your parking in advance if you’re driving, familiarise yourself with your airline’s check-in options, and give yourself enough time to get through all of the necessary processes at the airport (especially if you’re travelling to the US).
Arriving at the airport a little early means less rushing and more time to enjoy everything that Terminal A has to offer. Just be sure to check the official airport website for details about your flight and facilities before leaving home so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.
FAQs
Has the name of Abu Dhabi International Airport changed?
Yes, the airport was officially renamed Zayed International Airport in February 2024. Many people use both names interchangeably, though the international airport code (AUH) has remained the same.
How early should I arrive at Abu Dhabi airport before my flight?
For international flights, it’s recommended that you arrive three hours before departure. If you’re using the US pre-clearance service, it’s best to get there at least four hours before your flight.
Is there free Wi-Fi in Zayed International Airport?
Yes, there is free high-speed Wi-Fi available in Terminal A of Zayed International Airport. Connect to the “Zayed Intl Airport Free Wi-Fi” network on your device, enter your details, and click “Connect” to get online.
Is there a prayer room in Abu Dhabi airport?
There are multi-faith prayer rooms located throughout Terminal A, which are clearly signposted. These quiet spaces provide facilities for passengers of all faiths to observe their prayer times in comfort and privacy.