Abu Dhabi has launched a Dh10.8 billion (US$ 2.95 billion) project to build a new large terminal as part of ongoing expansions intended to face growing business and boost capacity to up to 40 million passengers in 2017.
The project will be completed in 2016 but will be commissioned in 2017 after a six-month test period to ensure its preparedness.“After the completion of this project, we expect the airport's capacity to rise to between 30 and 40 million passengers,” said Ali al Mansoori, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC), which manages the emirate's airports.
Quoted by Arabic language newspapers, he said the new terminal has a capacity of 8,500 passengers and can handle over 18,000 bags per hour.
It will be fitted with 165 gates and 145 lifts and will have a three-star hotel.
“We expect that more than 60 aviation companies will use the airport in 2017 against around 50 at present,” he said.
“In 2012, the airport is expected to handle 14 million passengers, far higher than earlier projections of 12 million.”
Source: Emirates 24|7