On Jan 2, 2022 Abu Dhabi Airports marked the 40th anniversary as the official opening of Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) celebrated the contribution in aviation , trade, tourism . The history was created on January 2, 1982 when the new Abu Dhabi International Airport was officially opened. Before that the idea of the airport was proposed in 1974, the construction began in 1979 and finally the airport was ready in January 1982 featuring a circular satellite terminal with a single connection to a semi circular terminal. Airport was designed by Paul Andreu, the late French architect who also designed Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris.
Due to the increase in passenger numbers during 1990’s & 2000’s the terminal was expanded . In 2003 Etihad came into existence and became the national carrier and home airline which helped in the rapid growth of travel & tourism and that was the beginning of the new era in Abu Dhabi .
In 2016 AUH launched Smart Travel System which eases the passenger processing and helps in improving the customer experience . In 2020 AUH was the first International Airport to introduce the contactless gates and touchless elevators for the passengers’ health and safety measures.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports said, “ Abu Dhabi International Airport has connected the world to Abu Dhabi for 40 years and fuelled the emirate’s emergence as a leading destination for tourism , trade and commerce . It was the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who had the foresight to build the airport , and thanks to his vision , Abu Dhabi Airports has built a legacy forged by collaboration , innovation and service. It is a legacy that will continue to grow over the next 40 years, as it supports the ongoing social and economic development of Abu Dhabi and the UAE .”
Shareef Al Hashmi CEO , Abu Dhabi Airports said, “Abu Dhabi International has a proud history of providing world class infrastructure and top flight service , whilst serving as a catalyst for growth for 40 of our proud nation’s 50 years of achievement . As consumer confidence rebounds and traffic gradually recovers , we will continue to explore new technologies , products and ways of doing business that will drive improved sustainability and create industry – leading airport experiences . As proud as we are of our past achievements , we are equally about our bright future.”
The vision was created years back but today that vision became a reality and Abu Dhabi International Airport this year celebrated their 40th anniversary with a dream to become more successful in future.
By : Rida Khan ( Aviation Author )
( Instagram A/c : aviationauthor.ridakhan )
