After several years of postponement, the opening of the new Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport took place in November 2023. I was present during the opening week, following the Dubai Airshow 2023, and so was able to visit the new facilities, including the new Etihad Business lounge.
First, a few words about this new Terminal A at Abu Dhabi Airport, replacing Terminals 1 and 3. This one is magnificent. Construction began in 2012, intending to handle up to 45 million passengers a year (doubling the previous capacity).
The terminal was due to open in 2017, but the launch has been delayed to 2019. That year, the terminal was ready to open. However, after contractual problems with the operator – and the COVID-19 pandemic – it wasn’t until late 2023 that the facility could finally welcome the public. You may have seen it in the Mission Impossible movie, released the same year!
Travelling in business class with Etihad, thanks to my Aeroplan points, I go to the check-in area dedicated to business class passengers.
Check-in is a breeze, as is passing through security (unlike other airports that simply offer a priority security line, here there’s a dedicated security area for business-class passengers).
A few shots from inside Terminal A:
Etihad’s lounges (First and Business Class) are located between Piers C and D. First; we pass the First Class lounge:
Then the Etihad Spa (closed at the time of my visit):
Finally, we arrive at the new Etihad Business Lounge near gate C27.
There are several reception desks. Etihad agents are proactive, however, and will be waiting for you next to the automated entry systems at the Etihad Business Lounge.
Access to the new Etihad Business Lounge is for:
This Etihad Business lounge is spread over three floors, linked by escalators and elevators.
On the second floor of the new Etihad Business Lounge (actually the 3rd floor of Terminal A), you first enter the buffet area known as Liwan Global Dining.
The entire space is designed in Arabic style. However, I found it lacking in charm and seemed – already – dated. It feels like a space from 2015-2017, not 2023, more like a canteen than a lounge.
In the center of this space is a bar where you can enjoy any alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktail or a glass of wine.
The buffet in the new Etihad Business Lounge is divided into 3 sections:
Here are all the photos of the dishes offered in this new Etihad Business Lounge:
The second floor of the Etihad Business Lounge is actually on the 4th floor of Terminal A. This is the lounge’s most significant space, divided into several distinct areas.
A games room offers a soccer table, a field hockey table and video games.
On the second floor, you’ll find 18 shower suites available by reservation.
Also, this new Etihad Business Lounge has a vast and colourful room dedicated to families and little ones.
Next to the family room, you’ll find a relaxation area called West Study, with a small buffet offering drinks and chips.
An area on this second floor is reserved for smokers (and cigar aficionados).
Last but not least, further rest and buffet areas are on the right-hand side of the second floor.
The top floor of the lounge was my favourite. A magnificent bar and a buffet area featuring almost everything you’d find on the second floor. My advice is to head straight for the top floor to get the feel of a lounge.
The Constellation bar in the new Etihad Business Lounge is the centrepiece of the lounge.
Around it, you’ll find a variety of seats for seating or dining.
And you can order your favourite cocktail (including my Espresso Martini).
The buffet offers a varied choice of hot and cold dishes.
Finally, at the very end of the third floor of this new Etihad Business Lounge, you’ll find a relaxation area called the “Roof Lounge.”
The Etihad Business Lounge is a stunning addition to Abu Dhabi Airport’s new Terminal A. While the second floor’s layout leaves something to be desired, in my opinion (giving the impression of a school refectory), the second and third floors are of excellent quality.
If you’re passing through this new Etihad Business Lounge, I suggest you head straight to the second floor to reserve your shower cubicle, then to the third floor for dinner and a drink at the bar!
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