Expansion
Development work has started on a new passenger terminal, the main building and centre-piece of the new airport, to be situated between the two runways and known as the Midfield Terminal. Upon completion in 2017, the Midfield Terminal will increase the airport’s passenger capacity to more than 20 million per year, with options for this to double in capacity to 40 million. An additional facility is also under consideration that would take the capacity to 50 million.
The expansion master plan projects also include a second 4,100 m parallel runway, 2 km from the existing runway (already operational as of 2009), a new 110 metre tower between the two runways with the new Air Traffic Control centre, enhanced cargo and maintenance facilities, and other commercial developments on the land immediately adjacent to and north of the existing airport.
The project will provide a home base for the UAE's national carrier, Etihad Airways, which will be a major user of new cargo facilities with an ultimate handling capacity of around two million tonnes of freight a year. Close to the new cargo facilities, land has been allocated for commercial activities, business parks, and property developments. Aircraft maintenance facilities will continue to be concentrated on the south side of the existing airport. The plan also sets aside land for the growth of other operators such as Royal Jet and Abu Dhabi Aviation.
Among other aspects of the project, when completed, are the design of remote aircraft stands complete with airfield ground lighting and hydrant fuel.
Read more about this topic: Abu Dhabi International Airport
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