Welcome to Zayed International Airport - Terminal A, the new home of Etihad Airways. Zayed International Airport 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.
Zayed International Airport 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.
Zayed International Airport 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 Zayed International Airport - 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 Zayed International Airport is all about convenience, so you can swiftly begin your Abu Dhabi adventure or the next part of your journey.
After collecting your bags, follow the signs to meet your pre-booked Etihad Chauffeur, or use our Etihad Shuttle to get to Dubai or Al Ain quickly and easily. The Etihad Shuttle is free if you reserve your seat when booking your flight.
If someone is picking you up, please remind them to use the short-term parking area, which offers 15 minutes of free parking.
If you need any help, our team will be on hand. Just visit the Etihad Help Desk 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 Zayed International Airport 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.
Zayed International Airport 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 Zayed International Airport 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.
All our flights now depart from Zayed International Airport - Terminal A in Abu Dhabi.
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.
You'll find the entrance to our Business and First Class Lounge between Pier C and D at Zayed International Airport. Our friendly team will be there to welcome you and help you explore the extraordinary facilities available.
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 Shuttle, please head to the kerb area in arrivals. Shuttle buses 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.
Yes, AUHotel is located at Zayed International Airport and is a convenient option if you have a long connection time in Abu Dhabi. AUHotel is available to book through online travel agents, including Booking.com.
