ACI / Momberger Airport Information
10 November 2025
Abu Dhabi Airports, the state-owned operator of Zayed International Airport, is developing a detailed master plan, prepared by Aertec, for a large-scale airport expansion scheduled to begin in 2027 and complete by 2032. The plan builds on the opening of Terminal A in 2023, which currently accommodates 45 million passengers per year and will be expanded to handle 65 million. The expansion supports Etihad Airways’ strategy to double passenger traffic to 38 million by 2030 and aligns with the emirate’s broader aviation and tourism growth objectives. Abu Dhabi Airports projects a total passenger throughput of 32–33 million in 2025, up from 29.4 million in 2024.
Planned developments include a new 90,000 sqm state of the art cargo terminal, currently under construction in the east midfield, a new satellite boarding concourse which can be gradually expanded, extended airside infrastructure, and a direct connection to the Etihad Rail’s High Speed Rail network and regional Abu Dhabi Transport’s Light Rail (tram) line 4 to Yas Island, improving regional accessibility. The Abu Dhabi Capital Development Code also safeguards for a potential future third parallel runway.
The expansion integrates advanced digital systems, notably full facial recognition at nine passenger touchpoints and biometric identification for transit passengers, designed to reduce queue times and strengthen security. Abu Dhabi Airports is also developing an artificial intelligence–driven digital twin to consolidate operational data, optimise capacity, and predict disruptions in real time.
Managing Director and CEO Elena Sorlini said the project combines physical capacity growth with digital transformation to position Zayed International Airport as a leading global hub by the early 2030s.
