Brief
Abu Dhabi airport renamed Zayed International Airport after decades of expansion
The airport, now handling over 100 destinations, reflects seven decades of growth from a sand runway to a global hub.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Abu Dhabi International Airport was renamed Zayed International Airport on 9 February 2024, Gulf News reported, marking the latest milestone in a history that began with a sand runway in 1955.
What happened
The original airstrip opened in 1955 with a basic terminal near Muroor Road. In 1968 Al Bateen Airport became the capital’s first international gateway, serving until a new airport opened on 2 January 1982. Subsequent expansions added Terminal 2 in 2005, a second runway in 2008 and Terminal 3 in 2009. Terminal A, covering 742,000 sq m and designed for 45 million passengers a year, began operations in November 2023. The airport handled a record 32.5 million passengers in 2025 and by 2026 connects to more than 100 destinations worldwide.
What the reports add
Gulf News notes that the 2024 renaming honours Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father. It also highlights the role of Etihad Airways, launched in 2003, in expanding international links.
What was said
The article does not quote officials directly but attributes the renaming decision to the airport authority, as reported by Gulf News.
How it came about
The airport’s growth mirrors Abu Dhabi’s broader development strategy, previously covered by Felo News in pieces on aviation training programmes and infrastructure milestones.
Key facts
- Abu Dhabi International Airport opened on 2 January 1982. (gulfnews.com)
- Terminal A, opened in November 2023, can handle up to 45 million passengers annually. (gulfnews.com)
- The airport was renamed Zayed International Airport on 9 February 2024. (gulfnews.com)
- In 2025 the airport handled a record 32.5 million passengers. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Abu Dhabi's Aviation Evolution: From Sand Runway to Zayed International Airport”
