Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, marked a historic milestone by operating the first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi International’s newly unveiled Terminal A. Flight EY224 bound for New Delhi departed at 2:35 pm, carrying 359 passengers aboard an Airbus A350-1000.
Passengers were treated to an inaugural experience at Etihad’s flagship lounges, spanning three floors in Terminal A. After indulging in a special celebratory menu, guests were greeted with themed decorations and a photo booth at Gate C27.
The moment was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by key figures from Etihad and Abu Dhabi Airport, including CEO Antonoaldo Neves. The CEO expressed excitement about this pivotal moment in Etihad’s history and commended Abu Dhabi’s leadership for the spectacular new airport.
Terminal A is a crucial element of Etihad’s growth strategy, capable of accommodating up to 45 million passengers annually and connecting Abu Dhabi to 117 global destinations. The terminal features dedicated check-in desks for various passenger classes, state-of-the-art biometric self-bag drop facilities, and premium lounges offering an array of amenities.
Starting from November 9, Etihad will transition flights to Terminal A in a phased approach, with full operations commencing from 11 am on November 14. Passengers are advised to double-check their terminal information for accurate details regarding their flights.