Who we are

“Our nation expects a lot from us, our people look forward to our achievements and we share the responsibility.”

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Late President and Founder of the UAE

Overview

Abu Dhabi Airports was created in 2006 to spearhead the development of the Emirate’s aviation infrastructure. It plays an important role in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision through operations of five commercial airports in the emirate, including Zayed International, Al Ain International, Al Bateen Executive, Delma Island and Sir Bani Yas Island Airports.

Abu Dhabi Airports also oversees Abu Dhabi Duty Free and Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone. Having welcomed approximately 23 million passengers through its airports in 2023, Abu Dhabi Airports is a gateway to the emirate for travellers from all over the world and works towards its vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading global aviation hub.

Evolution

Abu Dhabi Airports was created to manage and operate AUH and overlook its multi-billion dollar expansion. In the years since, we have expanded our assets portfolio to include Al Ain International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Sir Bani Yas Island Airport and Delma Island Airport, as well as a group of companies with diversified activities essential to the UAE aviation industry’s growth.

“Zayed International Airport (AUH) was originally opened in the heart of Abu Dhabi Island in 1969 and has since been transformed into today’s Al Bateen Executive Airport.

Later in 1982, a decade after the UAE’s formation under the patronage and guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, AUH was inaugurated at its current location 50km outside of the capital city.

With AUH our primary asset and the crucial piece of the aviation sector’s development in line with Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, we at Abu Dhabi Airports are responsible for delivering world-class aviation services and facilities for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Our new state-of-the-art terminal at Zayed International Airport, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s aviation sector and helping to meet growing demand. The new terminal will handle up to 45 million passengers per year and prove key to meeting Abu Dhabi’s aviation and tourism targets.

To further strengthen this growth we are operating, managing and developing Abu Dhabi’s other major airports, including Al Ain International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Delma Island and Sir Bani Yas Island.

Airports

Each airport we operate serves a specific travel segment and audience.

Zayed International Airport

Zayed International Airport (AUH) is amongst the fastest growing airport hubs worldwide, currently serving over 120 passenger destinations and a network of more than 30 airlines. The recently opened terminal more than doubles passenger capacity at the airport, capable of handling up to 45 million passengers annually, and 79 planes at once.

As the main gateway for visitors to the emirate, and the new home of Etihad Airways, the new terminal will help drive the growth of Abu Dhabi’s aviation and tourism sectors over the coming years. State-of-the-art facilities, increased cargo capacity, and a range of leading food & beverage and retail options further add to the array or world-leading services available at Terminal A.

Al Ain International Airport

Al Ain International Airport is Abu Dhabi’s second international airport, operating since 1994. Located 18km northwest of Al Ain City, Al Ain International has gained global recognition as a centre of technology and innovation excellence through its collaboration with Mubadala Aerospace.

In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports and Mubadala jointly established the UAE’s first aerospace cluster in Al Ain, with Al Ain International Airport being a key component.

Al Bateen Executive Airport

Al Bateen Executive Airport is the first dedicated business aviation and private jet airport in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

strategically positioned in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the airport currently has a stand capacity for up to 54 private jets. Al Bateen Executive Airport launched DhabiJet in 2011 to be its main Fixed Base Operator (FBO).

Delma Airport

Delma Airport plays a vital role in the development of Delma Island, linking its local population of 6,000 to Abu Dhabi by providing high quality transport infrastructure.

Sir Bani Yas Island Airport

Sir Bani Yas Airport caters mainly to tourists visiting the natural island, located 250km southwest of the Abu Dhabi coast.

Companies

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone

Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ) operates facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport to drive private and public partnerships and investment and property development.

Operated and regulated by Abu Dhabi Airports, ADAFZ comprises dedicated business, logistics and light industrial parks functioning as one-stop service hubs that attract industry clusters across aviation, aerospace, logistics, manufacturing, technology, IT, marketing, consultancy, and knowledge & development.

Businesses operating out of ADAFZ enjoy various benefits including duty and tax exemptions to foreign ownership, capital and profits returns.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free

Established in 1984, Abu Dhabi Duty Free is responsible for managing all retail, food & beverage (F&B) and service operations within Abu Dhabi Airports. The company creates a unique airport environment for business and leisure passengers through a range of exclusive retail offerings, world-renowned outlets and luxurious airport lounges.

The Abu Dhabi Duty Free business is expected to grow to over AED 1.5 billion following the shift to the new terminal at Zayed International Airport.