Abu Dhabi airport midfield terminal complex gets nod

The Abu Dhabi Airports Company (Adac) has received approval from the Executive Council for the construction of the new Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC) at Abu Dhabi International Airport, WAM has reported

The MTC is eyed as the primary gateway for airlines operating to Abu Dhabi and the future home of Etihad Airways, with the Midfield Terminal Building expected to go live in the first half of 2017, the report said.

Commenting on the government approval, Chairman Adac, Khalifa Al Mazrouei said "The approval of the Executive Council on the capacity expansion program for Abu Dhabi International Airport confirms Abu Dhabi’s commitment to deliver a World Class airport for the emirate that will be on a par with the best international airports in the world."

He added: "This development represents one of the largest investments by the Government to deliver the needed infrastructure, in line with Abu Dhabi Plan 2030, that will cater to the growth of the aviation sector in the region and confirms Abu Dhabi's strong position in the global air transportation network. ADAC looks forward to appointing the Midfield Terminal Building contractors and creating this key infrastructure asset for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi."

The 700,000-square-metre terminal building is seen to initially handle 27-30 million passengers per year. Tenders for the construction of the terminal were received in November 2011 and the anticipated contract award represents the next key milestone for the Emirate in its drive to develop a world-class air transportation hub.

Following the completion of extensive site preparation, piling and foundation works in 2010 and 2011, construction of the Midfield Terminal Building (MTB) is planned to commence during the second quarter of 2012.

Adac is currently evaluating tenders for the appointment of a general contractor for MTB and an award will be announced in due course, the report added.