Abu Dhabi Intl
A Journey Through Time
1982 — 2023
1980s
1982
Abu Dhabi International Airport opened its first modern terminal in 1982, replacing a small facility from the 1960s. The expansion was funded by the UAE's oil boom.
2000s
2009
Etihad Airways established Abu Dhabi as a global super-connector hub, creating a three-way competition with Emirates (Dubai) and Qatar Airways (Doha) known as the Gulf carrier rivalry.
2020s
2023
Terminal A (the Midfield Terminal) opened in November 2023, designed by KPF architects. The 742,000 sqm terminal is one of the largest in the world and features a dramatic X-shaped design.
Present