H.E. Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADAC and SCADIA, announced to the media on 12 October 2008 that phased operations at the new Terminal 3 facility had commenced.

The new Terminal 3 development is part of a large-scale development programme to transform Abu Dhabi International Airport into a world-class gateway airport.

The Dh1bn terminal is an interim measure to help manage the expansion of Etihad Airways, which increased the number of its passengers by 70 per cent last year and in July ordered 100 planes from Boeing and Airbus. When fully commissioned, the terminal will have the capacity to handle up to seven million passengers a year.

ADAC adopted a phased approach to the opening of the new terminal building. In taking this approach, ADAC can safeguard customer service levels while minimizing the potential glitches associated with the opening of any new passenger terminal building.

ADAC started departures using bus gates and lounges at Terminal 3 for certain services earlier last month. The next phase will see passengers checking in through Terminal 3 with a final phase expected to encompass the full opening of the duty free, retail, food and beverage village early in the New Year.