Zayed International Airport, formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, is the main hub serving Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Located about 30 kilometers east of the city and covering a massive area of nearly 15,000 acres, it acts as a key gateway for travelers flying in and out of the UAE. Known by its airport code AUH, it connects Abu Dhabi to major destinations across the world and welcomes millions of passengers every year.
The airport has grown rapidly in recent years and is now considered one of the fastest-growing airports in the Middle East. It is also the second busiest airport in the UAE after Dubai International Airport. If you are planning to travel through Zayed International Airport, knowing a few things in advance can make your journey much smoother. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know before traveling.
If you are flying from Abu Dhabi International Airport in the coming days, you must check the following details and make your navigation stress-free.
| Airport Name | Zayed International Airport |
| Airport Code | AUH |
| Address | Terminal A – Al Matar – Zayed International Airport – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates |
| Terminal | One (Terminal A) |
| Official Website | https://www.zayedinternationalairport.ae/en/ |
| Phone Number | +971 2 805 5555 |
How many terminals are in Abu Dhabi International Airport? Currently, there is only one terminal at AUH: Terminal A. All flights arrive and depart mainly from this new, state-of-the-art building. It is well-equipped with the necessary services so passengers can complete the formalities and enjoy their waiting hours.
Zayed International Airport serves as a major aviation hub in the Middle East, connecting Abu Dhabi with cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. A wide range of international and regional airlines operate from the airport.
Below is a list of airlines operating at AUH Airport:
From major global capitals to popular holiday destinations, the airport offers direct and connecting flights to more than 100 international locations.
Below is a list of destinations served from the airport to help travelers quickly identify routes and plan their journeys.
| Destination | Airport Code |
| London | LHR |
| Mumbai | BOM |
| Kochi | COK |
| Delhi | DEL |
| Bangkok | BKK |
| Moscow | DME |
| Moscow | SVO |
| Moscow | VKO |
| Doha | DOH |
| Cairo | CAI |
| Bangalore | BLR |
| Jeddah | JED |
| Istanbul | IST |
| Istanbul | SAW |
| Chennai | MAA |
| Phuket | HKT |
| Bahrain | BAH |
| Riyadh | RUH |
| Hyderabad | HYD |
| Calicut | CCJ |
| Colombo | CMB |
| Ahmedabad | AMD |
| Paris | CDG |
| Kuwait | KWI |
| Manchester | MAN |
| Trivandrum | TRV |
| Tel Aviv | TLV |
| Islamabad | ISB |
| Manila | MNL |
| Madrid | MAD |
| Jakarta | CGK |
| Male | MLE |
| Frankfurt | FRA |
| Munich | MUC |
| Dammam | DMM |
| Barcelona | BCN |
| New York | JFK |
| Milan | MXP |
| Kuala Lumpur | KUL |
| Muscat | MCT |
| Rome | FCO |
| Dublin | DUB |
| Toronto | YYZ |
| Zurich | ZRH |
| Amman | AMM |
| Karachi | KHI |
| Sydney | SYD |
| Seoul | ICN |
| Singapore | SIN |
| Lahore | LHE |
| Mangalore | IXE |
| Tokyo | NRT |
| Chicago | ORD |
| Amsterdam | AMS |
| Bali | DPS |
| Vienna | VIE |
| Brussels | BRU |
| Atlanta | ATL |
| Beirut | BEY |
| Lisbon | LIS |
| Washington DC | IAD |
| Melbourne | MEL |
| Boston | BOS |
| Kannur | CNN |
| Peshawar | PEW |
| Beijing | PKX |
| Kolkata | CCU |
| Casablanca | CMN |
| Dhaka | DAC |
| Addis Ababa | ADD |
| Taiwan | TPE |
| Hanoi | HAN |
| Jaipur | JAI |
| Athens | ATH |
| Geneva | GVA |
| Shanghai | PVG |
| Johannesburg | JNB |
| Warsaw | WAW |
| Hong Kong | HKG |
| Duesseldorf | DUS |
| Copenhagen | CPH |
| Prague | PRG |
| Budapest | BUD |
| Krakow | KRK |
| Katowice | KTW |
| Kathmandu | KTM |
| Krabi | KBV |
| Nairobi | NBO |
| Yerevan | EVN |
| Mahe | SEZ |
| Alexandria (EG) | HBE |
| Tbilisi | TBS |
| Saint Petersburg | LED |
| Baku | GYD |
| Osaka | KIX |
| Sialkot | SKT |
| Lucknow | LKO |
| Madinah | MED |
| Coimbatore | CJB |
| Damascus | DAM |
| Multan | MUX |
| Visakhapatnam | VTZ |
| Chiang Mai | CNX |
| Tashkent | TAS |
| Salalah | SLL |
| Bhubaneswar | BBI |
| Socotra | SCT |
| Larnaca | LCA |
| Tunis | TUN |
| Sochi | AER |
| Almaty | ALA |
| Phnom Penh | KTI |
| Tiruchirappalli | TRZ |
| Chandigarh | IXC |
| Faisalabad | LYP |
| Berlin | BER |
| Madurai | IXM |
| Medan (ID) | KNO |
| Asyut | ATZ |
| Chittagong | CGP |
| Sofia | SOF |
| Haikou | HAK |
| Ashgabat | ASB |
| Gassim | ELQ |
| Ankara | ESB |
Check-in at Zayed International Airport is mostly done at Terminal A, where most international flights depart. The airport offers several convenient options to make the check-in process quicker and smoother for travelers. Passengers can use traditional check-in counters, self-service kiosks, or even complete the process before reaching the airport.
There are around 26 check-in counters available on-site. If you prefer a faster option, there are self-service kiosks with biometric scanners that allow you to print your boarding pass and drop your baggage with minimal waiting time.
Additionally, the airport also offers remote and home check-in services through Morafiq, where you can check in, drop your luggage, and collect your boarding pass from locations like Yas Mall or even from your home or hotel up to 24 hours before departure.
At Zayed Airport, you will find the baggage claim area in the arrivals hall after you pass through passport control. Depending on your gate, it can take about 15–20 minutes to walk from the aircraft to immigration.
Moreover, Terminal A has modern luggage carousels that usually deliver baggage quickly. While the walk from the gate to the carousel can be a bit long, the process itself is smooth and well-organized.
Security at AUH is modern, well-organized, and designed to move passengers efficiently. The airport uses biometric systems for faster check-ins and boarding to make the process mostly paperless. Abu Dhabi is the only Middle East airport with U.S. pre-clearance, so flights to the U.S. include an extra security and customs check.
Zayed Airport security wait times are generally short, with most passengers moving through security smoothly. However, during peak hours or for flights to the U.S., it is best to arrive 3-4 hours early due to additional screening for U.S. pre-clearance.
Zayed Airport offers a variety of services and amenities to make your journey smoother and stress-free.
Skip the airport lines and make your journey lighter with Morafiq’s remote check-in services. You can check in and hand over your luggage straight from home, your hotel, office, or one of their city counters like Yas Mall, the Cruise Terminal, Mussafah, or Lulu Hypermarket in Al Ain. Morafiq staff take care of weighing, tagging, and safely sending your bags to the plane, while you get real-time updates through their app.
Once your check-in is done, you can head to the airport stress-free, knowing everything is handled. Plus, with the Land & Leave service, your bags can be delivered directly to your home or hotel after you land.
If you’re flying to the U.S., AUH lets you clear customs and immigration before you even board. This way, when you land in the States, you can walk straight out or catch your next flight without waiting in long lines. Just follow the signs to the Pre-Clearance area and give yourself a bit of extra time.
For passengers with connecting flights booked on the same ticket or with partner airlines, luggage is usually transferred automatically between flights. You can head straight to your next gate without collecting and re-checking bags. Always confirm with your airline that your baggage is tagged to your final destination.
With Morafiq Aviation Services, you can check in and drop your bags well before your flight at dedicated city locations. Bags can be dropped 4 – 24 hours prior to departure, and you receive your boarding pass in advance. This service is available at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port in Mina Zayed.
You can beat travel fatigue at Be Relax or XpresSpa, where you can enjoy massages and treatments to reduce jet lag. For longer layovers, the Airport Hotel inside the terminal provides comfortable rooms for rest and sleep.
| Spa / Facility | Services Offered | Location |
| Be Relax Spa | Quick treatments starting from 15 minutes, ideal for a fast refresh | Main terminal & Etihad Business Class Lounge |
| XpresSpa | Signature massages, pre-flight treatments, and grooming services | Main terminal |
| V Elements Spa | Deep tissue massages, stress relief services | Terminal area |
| Bespoke & Traveler-Friendly Treatments | Express Massages: Chair massages for neck, shoulders, and back tension Manicures & Pedicures: Quick grooming to feel refreshed Aromatherapy: Essential oils to reduce jet lag and relax Showers & Refresh: Full-body shower facilities for a clean, rejuvenated start | – |
Flyers can shop at the Abu Dhabi Duty Free for luxury goods, fragrances, and confectionery at great value. The airport also hosts high-end boutiques and unique concept stores, offering a premium shopping experience for all travelers.
| Abu Dhabi Duty Free | Bally | Fendi |
| Balenciaga | Bath & Body Works | Hermes Paris |
| Bag Wrap | Boots | HealthSense Pharmacy |
| Baggage Storage | Bottega Veneta | Gucci |
| Claire’s | Floward | Habanos Specialist |
| LE Club | Michael Kors | OTG On the Go |
| Ferragamo | RADO | Scent |
| Ralph Lauren | PINK | Pure Gold |
| Virgin Mobile | Victoria’s Secret | Swarovski |
| Tissot | The Souq | WH Smith |
| Zenith | Xpress Spa | MUJI |
| Kenzo | Le Gourmet | Foot Locker |
| Coach | CAPI Electronics | Etisalat And |
| Boss | Bedashing Beauty Salon |
Craving for a coffee or wanna have a full meal before your flight? Relax! You will find a selection of prominent restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit your taste as well as palate.
| Arabica | Café Ritazza | Levito: Pizza – Pasta |
| Bottega Bar | Camden Food Co. | TGI Fridays |
| Burger King | Costa Coffee | Operation Falafel |
| Butlers Chocolate Café | Culto Cafe | Todd English |
| Café Flor | Jones the Grocer | Ysamin |
| Brioche Dorée | Krispy Kreme | Vit |
| Urban Food Market | Pana | Patamar Indo-Asian Kitchen |
| PierD | Puro Gusto | The Meat District |
| Shawa | SO! Coffee | Taste of India |
| Texas Chicken | The Daily | The Majilis |
If you want to move through the airport a little faster, Abu Dhabi International Airport offers a Fast Track service at security and immigration. It gives passengers access to priority lanes, which can save time, especially during busy travel periods.
This service is available for departing, arriving, and transit passengers. You can book it online before your trip by entering your flight details and completing the payment. Once you arrive safely at the airport, just follow the Fast Track or Priority Lane signs and show your booking confirmation to the staff at the checkpoint.
At Zayed Airport, the Salam Meet & Assist service is designed to make your airport experience smoother and less stressful. Whether you are arriving, departing, or in transit, a dedicated representative will guide you through the airport and assist you at every step.
The service includes personal meet and assist, luggage support, fast-track through security and immigration, buggy service (if available), priority check-in (where applicable), lounge access, and boarding assistance.
Booking Options
AUH aims to make travel comfortable, safe, and seamless for all passengers, including People of Determination (PoDs), passengers with disabilities, or anyone with special needs.
VIP services are available for travelers who want a private, comfortable, and fully personalized airport experience. These bespoke services are tailored to your needs.
| Private Terminal Access | – Private terminal entrance- Dedicated security screening and entry- On-site immigration and customs processing- Service agents to manage all airport formalities |
| Bespoke Personal Services | – Butler service for personalized assistance- In-house chefs catering to your preferences- Private airside limousine transfers to aircraft- Professional baggage handling and secure baggage wrapping |
| The Diamond Lounge | – Spacious guest bedrooms with shower facilities- Private VIP rooms- Dedicated meeting room- Buggy service to duty-free shops |
| Additional Facilities | – Complete journey management for arrivals and departures- Male and female prayer rooms- Traditional Emirati hospitality experience |
For travelers looking to rest and recharge without leaving AUH, AUHotel offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and flexible stay options. Whether you have a short connection or a longer layover, you can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room dining, 24/7 front desk service, and rooms designed for comfort and privacy. Stay packages are available for 6, 12, or 24 hours to suit your travel needs. To book, make a reservation in advance—guests must show a valid boarding pass for an onward flight from AUH.
Contact Details:
Keep your luggage safe from damage, tampering, and theft. The airport’s bag wrapping service provides a durable protective film for your checked baggage. Conveniently located near the check-in area, it’s perfect for travelers who want extra peace of mind.
If you have a long layover or want to explore Abu Dhabi without carrying your bags, AUH’s secure luggage storage facility is ideal.
Location: Arrivals level of the terminal
Storage Options & Rates:
| Duration | Price per Item (AED) |
| Up to 3 hours | 35 |
| Up to 12 hours | 55 |
| Up to 24 hours | 75 |
| Up to 48 hours | 105 |
| Up to 72 hours | 140 |
| Beyond 72 hours | 25 per day |
| Discounts for multiple items | 10+ items → 10% off20+ items → 15% off |
Note: Prices are per item for the selected storage period. Extra days after 72 hours are added to the total cost.
The Sensory Space has two rooms, one for older children and adults and one for younger children. It features soft seating, quiet zones, and gentle light displays. The sessions last 45 minutes, with space for up to six guests per room. The service is free for departing and transit passengers, and while walk-ins are welcome, booking in advance is recommended to guarantee your preferred time.
AUH is committed to keeping passengers safe and healthy, with 24/7 access to professional medical care through the on-site Burjeel Airport Clinic. Travelers carrying medications or medical equipment should bring prescriptions or documentation and inform their airline in advance to ensure safe travel.
Zayed International Airport (AUH) offers prayer rooms throughout the terminal for passengers, with separate facilities for men and women. Ablution areas are conveniently located next to the prayer rooms, and screens display the current prayer times to help travellers plan their prayers easily.
The Al Sadaa Centre makes it simple to handle a variety of government and administrative tasks. It primarily assists with services related to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), including Emirates ID and residency-ID processing, visa medicals and clearance, document attestations, and labour or employment permits. Both companies and individual travellers can use the centre to complete necessary paperwork efficiently while at the airport.
Abu Dhabi’s Airport offers free, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, so you can stay connected at every step of your journey. To access it, simply search for available networks on your device, select “Zayed International Airport Free Wifi,” and follow the on-screen instructions. Once connected, you’ll be directed to the airport’s landing page and can enjoy full internet access to browse, work, or stay in touch while at the airport.
AUH Airport offers safe, convenient parking options for every kind of traveler. Whether you are dropping someone off, going on a short trip, or leaving your car for a longer holiday, there are options to suit your needs.
Location: All parking areas are located just a short walk from the terminal and check-in desks, making them easy to reach for families, travelers with pets, and passengers with special needs.
Payment Methods: Payment is simple and flexible. With thousands of spaces just a short walk from check-in, parking at AUH is designed to be hassle-free and convenient for all passengers.
Booking your parking in advance online can save money and guarantee a spot. Prices start from AED 325 for 4–7 days and AED 400 for 8–14 days, making it ideal for longer trips.
If you are only stopping briefly, the airport offers drive-up parking with hourly rates:
| Duration | Rate (AED) |
| 0–10 mins | Free |
| 11–15 mins | 10 |
| 16–30 mins | 25 |
| 31 mins–2 hours | 40 |
| Up to 3 hours | 55 |
| Up to 4 hours | 65 |
| Up to 24 hours | 125 |
| Each additional day | 100 |
This option is perfect for quick pick-ups or short visits to the terminal.
Long-Stay parking is located just a short walk from departures and is great for trips lasting several days. These spaces are secure and convenient. It is advised to book online to ensure availability and the best rates.
The airport makes parking easy for everyone:
You need not worry about moving around AUH, because there are many affordable options to suit your needs.
Zayed International Airport offers a convenient Airport Express shuttle connecting passengers to Dubai. This service runs directly between AUH and the Ibn Battuta Bus Station.
Tickets can be purchased at the dedicated counter in the Arrivals Hall. The shuttle service operates 24/7, with frequent departures timed to match flight schedules for maximum convenience.
Shuttle Schedule: AUH to Dubai
| Departure | Arrival at Ibn Battuta |
| 00:00 | 01:30 |
| 01:00 | 02:30 |
| 02:00 | 03:30 |
| 03:00 | 04:30 |
| 04:00 | 05:30 |
| 05:00 | 06:30 |
| 06:00 | 07:30 |
| 07:00 | 08:30 |
| 08:00 | 09:30 |
| 09:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:00 | 11:30 |
| 11:00 | 12:30 |
| 12:00 | 13:30 |
| 13:00 | 14:30 |
| 14:00 | 15:30 |
| 15:00 | 16:30 |
| 16:00 | 17:30 |
| 17:00 | 18:30 |
| 18:00 | 19:30 |
| 19:00 | 20:30 |
| 20:00 | 21:30 |
| 21:00 | 22:30 |
| 22:00 | 23:30 |
| 23:00 | 00:30 |
Shuttle Schedule: Dubai → AUH
| Departure | Arrival at AUH |
| 00:00 | 01:30 |
| 01:00 | 02:30 |
| 02:00 | 03:30 |
| 03:00 | 04:30 |
| 04:00 | 05:30 |
| 05:00 | 06:30 |
| 06:00 | 07:30 |
| 07:00 | 08:30 |
| 08:00 | 09:30 |
| 09:00 | 10:30 |
| 10:00 | 11:30 |
| 11:00 | 12:30 |
| 12:00 | 13:30 |
| 13:00 | 14:30 |
| 14:00 | 15:30 |
| 15:00 | 16:30 |
| 16:00 | 17:30 |
| 17:00 | 18:30 |
| 18:00 | 19:30 |
| 19:00 | 20:30 |
| 20:00 | 21:30 |
| 21:00 | 22:30 |
| 22:00 | 23:30 |
| 23:00 | 00:30 |
For travel within Abu Dhabi, the public bus network is convenient and affordable. Stops are right outside the Arrivals area, and key routes run 24/7. This network is cost-effective, convenient, and ideal for reaching major parts of Abu Dhabi without worrying about taxis or private transfers.
| Route | Main Destination | Areas Served |
| A1 | Al Zahiyah (City Centre) | Al Reem Island, Tourist Club Area |
| A2 | Khalifa Street | Al Markaziyah, Al Khalidiya |
| A10 | MBZ City Bus Station | Mohammed Bin Zayed City |
| A40 | Al Shahama Bus Station | Al Shahama |
| A15 | Cargo Terminal | Al Matar, Cargo Terminal |
| K4 | Khalifa City | Khalifa City, Al Rahah |
| N2 | Al Zahiyah | Al Matar, Al Nahyan, Al Danah, Al Zahiyah |
Fares & Payment: One-way tickets cost around AED 4. You will need a Hafilat Card, available and reloadable at machines near the airport stops. Cash is not accepted on the buses.
AUH Airport provides reliable and comfortable transport options, from official airport taxis to private limousines, so you can reach your destination safely and in style.
For a premium travel experience, AUH offers a range of limousine options:
Etihad Chauffeur Service – Available for eligible Etihad Airways passengers, providing door-to-door transfers in a luxury vehicle. Check your flight details for eligibility.
Private Luxury Transfers – Independent limousine operators offer high-end vehicles for VIPs, business travelers, or anyone seeking comfort and a fixed fare. Pre-booking is recommended to ensure your car and driver are ready upon arrival.
Mechri Limo Service – Located near Gate 5 & 6 in the Arrivals Hall, Mechri provides 24/7 airport transfers, city tours, VIP services, and corporate travel with a modern fleet and professional drivers.
The airport makes meeting or dropping off travelers simple with clear and convenient areas right at the AUH terminal A.
Pick-Up Info
If you are picking someone up, head to the Short Stay Car Park opposite the arrivals hall. For safety and security, don’t leave your car unattended because Abu Dhabi Police will tow any vehicles left unattended, and recovery fees will apply.
Drop-Off Details
For departures, you can drop passengers right in front of the terminal. The first 15 minutes are free, giving you time to say your goodbyes without rushing. Just remember, cars must not be left unattended, or they risk being removed by authorities.
For travelers who prefer on-demand, app-based transport, AUH supports leading ride-hailing services like Careem and Uber. The airport has clearly marked zones to make meeting your driver easy and stress-free.
Picking Up Your Ride
Follow the instructions in your ride-hailing app to reach the designated pick-up zone. This ensures a smooth handover and quick access to your vehicle.
Drop-Off at the Airport
When being dropped off, drivers can bring passengers directly to the Departures Forecourt or other designated drop-off areas within the car park. This places you just steps away from check-in, making your entry into the terminal quick and easy.
If you prefer the freedom of driving yourself, Zayed International Airport has a dedicated car rental centre inside the terminal. Several well-known rental companies operate here, offering everything from compact cars and sedans to SUVs and luxury vehicles.
To pick up your rental quickly, make sure you have the following:
The car rental desks are located on Level 1 of the terminal, just above the Arrivals area, making them easy to reach after landing.
Note: Booking your vehicle in advance is recommended to secure better rates and your preferred car type.
Losing something while traveling can be stressful. AUH’s Lost & Found team works to help you recover your belongings quickly.
If you misplace something inside the airport, for example, at security, lounges, or public areas:
If your item was lost on board a flight, contact your airline directly, as airlines handle lost property on their aircraft. You can find airline contact details on their specific websites.
If your checked baggage is delayed, damaged, or lost:
Need help? You can directly connect with the customer help team and resolve your queries.
Final Words!
Lastly, Zayed International Airport, also called Abu Dhabi International Airport, has all the facilities to improve the travel experience. Still confused? You can use the airport map, check the signs, or consult the airport staff.
FAQs!
Yes, Abu Dhabi has two main airports: Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Al Ain International Airport (AAN).
As of 2026, all flights operate from Terminal A at Zayed International Airport.
The biggest airport in Abu Dhabi is Zayed International Airport.
Yes, American Airlines operates flights from Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The Zayed International Airport code is AUH.
AUH Address: Terminal A, Al Matar, Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.