Abu Dhabi International Airport is the principal international airport serving the city of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The airport is the second busiest in the UAE and continually ranks among the top ten across the Middle East. The airport’s official name is Zayed International Airport, named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan founder of the UAE.

AUH was heavily renovated and expanded in 2024 with the opening of the new terminal A which now handles all of the airport’s flights. The airport’s former distinctive Arabian inspired design has unfortunately been replaced by a fairly generic modern design that you could find at any new airport around the world.

The airport serves as a hub for Etihad Airways, one of the UAE’s two flag carriers. The airport is also served by another 42 airlines that offer flights to numerous locations across the Middle East, as well as direct flight to Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and Australia.

AUH features two runways that run paralel to each other. Both runways service the singular x shaped terminal building which is shared by all airlines. Each concourse of the terminal building features gates that are designated a letter from A to D.

The airport is located approximately 35km from the centre of Abu Dhabi. The most convenient way to reach the centre of Abu Dhabi from the AUH is via taxi or rideshare, Careem is the most popular rideshare service in the Emirates, expect the trip to take approximately 30 minutes. Several bus services are also available with the A1 the best option for reaching the city centre in approximately 1 hour and a half.