The easing of coronavirus-related travel restrictions around the globe has driven up passenger numbers. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
The easing of coronavirus-related travel restrictions around the globe has driven up passenger numbers. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
The easing of coronavirus-related travel restrictions around the globe has driven up passenger numbers. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
The easing of coronavirus-related travel restrictions around the globe has driven up passenger numbers. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports

Abu Dhabi International Airport reopens Terminal 2 as passenger numbers surge


Deena Kamel
  • English
  • Arabic

Abu Dhabi International Airport recently reopened its Terminal 2 amid a surge in passenger demand, routes and airline customers.

Five airlines now operate more than 50 weekly flights at Terminal 2, bringing the number of airlines operating from all of the airport's terminals to 26.

A further ramp up of capacity at Terminal 2 is scheduled during May with the addition of 21 weekly flights, operator Abu Dhabi Airports said on Monday.

“Retail and duty-free services are also being reintroduced, offering passengers a full range of choice before their flight,” the airport operator said.

The surge in passenger numbers comes as coronavirus-related travel restrictions around the globe eased and markets reopened, unleashing pent-up demand for air travel.

Abu Dhabi International Airport handled 2.56 million passengers in the first quarter of 2022, a more than fourfold increase from the same period last year due to a rebound in demand.

The number of flights rose 39 per cent annually to 22,689 in the three-month period.

The relaxation of travel restrictions to and from India, the reopening of borders in Australia and Singapore and the removal of mandatory PCR testing for passengers travelling to the UAE capital contributed to the surge in passenger numbers, Abu Dhabi Airports said.

The airport operator expects 10.7 million passengers to pass through Abu Dhabi’s main airport in 2022, more than double last year’s number.

With multibillion-dollar investments in attractions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim, which is set to be completed by 2025, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its position as a leading tourist destination.

Etihad Airways is “cautiously optimistic” about the travel outlook for 2022 amid strong passenger demand and steady cargo rates as the aviation industry recovers from the coronavirus-induced slowdown, Tony Douglas, chief executive of Etihad Aviation Group, said at the Arabian Travel Market fair in Dubai earlier this month.

The airline is a major contributor to Abu Dhabi airport’s growth.

Abu Dhabi International Airport — in pictures

Terminal 2 at Abu Dhabi International Airport has recently re-opened amid a surge in passenger demand. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
Terminal 2 at Abu Dhabi International Airport has recently re-opened amid a surge in passenger demand. Photo: Abu Dhabi Airports
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Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

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Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

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Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

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Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration

Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center

What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.

For more information: www.koreafestivaluae.com

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“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
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The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.

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Company name: Dharma

Date started: 2018

Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe

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Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But as they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.

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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.

Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.

Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.

Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).

Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.

Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.

Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.

Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.

Updated: May 23, 2022, 11:12 AM