OREANDA-NEWS. Abu Dhabi Airports today announced the opening and operating of several facilities at Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which will improve overall operational efficiency and increase the speed at which passengers move through the airport. The expansion programme to install these facilities forms part of Abu Dhabi Airports' ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP) to manage the increasing growth in passenger numbers ahead of the opening of the Midfield Terminal in 2017.

The overall approach to this phase of the CEP has been to reconfigure passenger flows into and through Terminal 1. Specifically this has comprised:
• The installation of 350 metres of new walkways directly linking the passenger arrival gates to the immigration halls and transfer screening facilities;
• The opening of 9 new Code E aircraft stands to accommodate the increasing number of large and wide bodied aircraft at the airport;
• The introduction of 16 brand new state of the art X-Ray screening machines, capable of processing 2,000 transfer passengers per hour, further accelerating passenger movement and reducing waiting time;
• Further enhancing passenger flow by enabling transfer passengers arriving at Terminal 1 to proceed directly to Terminal 3 without the need for further screening.

These upgrades to the Terminal 1 infrastructure will significantly improve passengers' experience. The whole screening process has been improved to increase efficiency as well as security. Passengers will have more space in which to move about and will spend less time queuing, giving them more of an opportunity to enjoy the multiple retail, F&B and entertainment facilities on offer.

The improvements to passenger flows inside Terminal 1 are being complemented by a new road network that will enhance airport access to all travelers, whether arriving or departing, from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The work is expected to be completed within the next month. Vehicles departing from arrivals, departures and the car parks will now be able to get straight onto roads to central Abu Dhabi, Dubai and local areas such Al Raha, Yas Island and Khalifa City.

The new Terminal 1 facilities were opened today at a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Board of Abu Dhabi Airports, attended by the media.

Unveiling the new facilities, H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: "We are very pleased to have completed the next phase of our ongoing Capacity Enhancement Programme, which is aimed at ensuring that Abu Dhabi International airport is properly equipped to handle the increasing growth in passenger numbers. Starting today, passengers will find the whole experience of moving around Terminal 1 simpler, easier and more enjoyable. This upgrade to our facilities is part of a continuing programme aimed at delivering the best possible passenger experience, using the most advanced and most innovative means at our disposal."

H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori added: "Looking ahead, there are a number of ongoing initiatives in and around the airport which will achieve the same purpose. We are firm in our intention to become a leading global air transportation hub and in order to do so, we need to ensure that all parts of a passenger's journey into and out of terminal buildings, aircraft stands, and runways at Abu Dhabi International Airport is as easy and as comfortable as possible and to increase both processing speed, and passenger and aircraft flow."