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Abu Dhabi Airports
Corporate Profile: Abu Dhabi Airports (ADAC)
Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies. Since its establishment in 2006, the company has evolved from a traditional airport operator into a global aviation powerhouse. In 2026, it is the primary engine driving the Abu Dhabi Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to attract nearly 40 million visitors annually to the UAE capital.
2026 Milestones: The “Zayed International” Era
- Record Growth: By early 2026, Abu Dhabi Airports has reported double-digit passenger growth for 18 consecutive quarters. In 2025 alone, the company facilitated over 32 million passengers, a massive leap from the 29.4 million recorded in 2024.
- Terminal A Expansion: Although the state-of-the-art Terminal A at Zayed International Airport (AUH) opened in late 2023 with a capacity for 45 million passengers, CEO Elena Sorlini announced in late 2025 that a detailed master plan for further expansion is already underway to increase capacity to 65 million by 2032.
- Global Hub Status: On January 26, 2026, the airport marked a significant milestone with Air China’s inaugural non-stop flight from Beijing, making AUH the first capital-to-capital link operated by a Chinese carrier in the region.
The Five-Airport Portfolio
The company manages a diverse ecosystem of aviation assets across the Emirate:
- Zayed International Airport (AUH): The flagship hub, home to Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi. It is a global leader in biometric technology, having fully rolled out its “Smart Travel” initiative across nine touchpoints by early 2026.
- Al Bateen Executive Airport (AZI): The region’s only dedicated business aviation airport, catering to VVIPs and private jet operators.
- Al Ain International Airport (AAN): Emerging as a logistics and industrial hub. In 2025, an agreement was signed with Hafeet Rail to link the airport to the UAE-Oman rail network, enhancing multi-modal cargo operations.
- Delma Island Airport & Sir Bani Yas Island Airport: These regional airports serve as critical links for the tourism and energy sectors, with Sir Bani Yas undergoing a major rehabilitation completed in 2025 to support island resort traffic.
Strategic Innovation & Sustainability
- AI & Digital Twins: By 2026, the company has implemented a “Digital Twin” of Zayed International Airport, using AI to predict passenger flows, reduce queuing times for transit passengers, and optimize ground handling for its 30+ airline partners.
- Smart Travel: Abu Dhabi Airports is the first in the world to trial a “ticketless” journey, where biometric data collected at arrival validates a passenger’s identity at all subsequent stations, from duty-free to boarding.
- Sustainability: The company is a key driver of the Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, focusing on eco-friendly MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and sustainable manufacturing in partnership with Mubadala.
Key Data
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Parent Company | ADQ (Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company) |
| Managing Director & CEO | Elena Sorlini |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Annual Passenger Traffic | ~33 million (2025 Projection) |
| Global Recognition | “Best Airport at Arrivals Globally” (ACI World, 2025) |