Etihad operates first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi Terminal A
Etihad and Abu Dhabi Airport Board members and aviation leaders at the ribbon-cutting ceremony
Etihad Airways operated its first commercial flight from Terminal A in Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) as a special ceremonial flight to India's Delhi International Airport (DEL). The airline announced in an October 31 press release that Etihad flights will steadily transition to Terminal A between November 9 to 14. Beginning at 11 a.m. on November 14, all Etihad Airways departures and arrivals will operate out of Terminal A.
Flight EY224 from AUH to DEL departed on October 31 at 14:35 with 359 passengers onboard, the press release said. The airline used one of its A350-1000 aircraft for the journey.
Etihad and Abu Dhabi International Airport commemorated the occasion of the historic first flight from Terminal A by welcoming inaugural passengers in both Economy and Business Class into the new flagship Etihad Lounges. The lounges span three floors in Terminal A.
Passengers sampled a special celebratory menu in the Etihad lounge before making their way to the flight at Gate C27. The press release said that themed decorations and a photo booth were set up near the gate to add to the excitement.
A number of distinguished guests, both Etihad and Abu Dhabi Airport Board members and aviation leaders, were present at a ribbon-cutting ceremony before the flight. Notable attendees included Etihad's CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, as well as Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO and Frank McCrorie, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports. Neves and McCrorie both gave speeches to welcome the first passengers to the terminal, the press release said.
“This is a pivotal and exciting moment in Etihad’s history. As we begin to celebrate our 20th anniversary in November, we are ready for the next growth chapter in our new home,” said Neves.
“Our congratulations go to the Abu Dhabi leadership for their vision in creating what is one of the world’s most spectacular airports. The terminal is a stunning piece of architecture that echoes the local landscape and warmly welcomes our guests and elevates their travel experience.”
In his welcome address, Neves continued, “As we begin our transition to our new home, we look forward to welcoming even more passengers as we continue to grow and expand our fleet and network.”
Sorlini added, “This is a historic moment for Abu Dhabi International Airport, our partners at Etihad Airways, and the emirate as [a] whole. The first flight from Terminal A marks a major milestone in the journey of Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector. Terminal A brings a significant increase to capacity and delivers state-of-the-art facilities to both airlines and passengers. We look forward to welcoming more passengers throughout November as we continue to increase the number of flights departing and arriving at Terminal A.”
According to the press release, Terminal A plays an integral role in Etihad’s growth strategy. The terminal can house up to 45 million passengers annually and connect Abu Dhabi to 117 global destinations. It also provides dedicated check-in desks to economy passengers and exclusive areas for Business and First Class passengers who will enjoy a fast-tracked experience. Biometric self-bag drop facilities are available for passengers.
Etihad’s airport lounges feature a variety of dining options including a rooftop cocktail bar, a games room and a family room. The lounge also offers direct boarding access for three aircraft, allowing passengers to board their flight straight from the lounge.
The transition is underway to move all Etihad flights to Terminal A by 11 a.m. on November 14. From November 9 to 14, Etihad flights will operate from both Terminal A and Terminal 3.
