Abu Dhabi is reshaping the gateway to the emirate with a bold, billion-dollar investment centered on luxury tourism and an exceptional passenger experience at Zayed International Airport (AUH). The new airport terminal, inaugurated recently, blends visionary architecture, expansive capacity, cutting-edge technology, and high-end retail to serve as a global benchmark in luxury travel infrastructure.

Architectural Innovation and World Recognition

Zayed International Airport was crowned the "World’s Most Beautiful Airport" at the 2024 Prix Versailles awards, acclaimed for its elegant design that integrates Emirati cultural influences with futuristic technology. The terminal spans 742,000 square meters and features a unique X-shaped layout. Capable of handling 11,000 travelers per hour, it doubles the capacity of the old airport and supports up to 79 aircraft simultaneously—enabling a capacity of 45 million passengers per year.

A pioneering feature of AUH is its implementation of nine biometric touchpoints, the first of their kind worldwide, providing smooth and secure passenger processing that anticipates industry trends toward contactless travel by 2025.

Transforming Travel Retail and Sustainability

AUH introduces "Presentedby," an innovative 210-square-meter travel retail space that revolutionizes airport shopping. Evoking the serenity of Abu Dhabi’s desert oases, it offers interactive displays with flowing sculptures, digital simulations, cascading water walls, and a curated luxury collection of rare sneakers, streetwear, and high-end accessories. This experience is a significant step forward in blending luxury retail with immersive technology.

Sustainability lies at the heart of this concept, with the retail space employing 3D-printed materials from post-industrial recycled plastics and embracing zero-waste principles throughout design and operations. This approach reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to environmental stewardship alongside luxury consumer experiences.

Exceptional Passenger and Operational Growth

The airport is experiencing remarkable growth. In the first half of 2025 alone, Zayed International Airport handled 15.5 million passengers, a 13.2% increase year-on-year, contributing to Abu Dhabi Airports’ overall passenger traffic crossing 15.8 million—a 13.1% rise over the same period last year. This marks the 17th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth in passenger numbers, cementing AUH’s and Abu Dhabi’s positions as thriving hubs of global connectivity.

Aircraft movements at AUH also surged by 11.4% to 93,858 flights in H1 2025. The growth is propelled by new airline partnerships and expanded routes, including China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai service, Air Seychelles’ six weekly flights, Fly Cham’s Damascus connection, and IndiGo’s expanded presence with new routes to Indian cities such as Madurai and Vishakhapatnam. This positions AUH as IndiGo’s most connected hub in the UAE.

World-class Passenger Experience and Accolades

AUH does not just focus on numbers but on delivering a world-class, guest-centric environment. In July 2025, the airport achieved Level 3 accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI) Customer Experience Accreditation program, recognizing its excellence in embedding passenger-focused service into every operational aspect. Initiatives such as passenger focus groups and guest shadowing programs help refine services to meet evolving traveler expectations.

The terminal’s design—with soaring curved glass walls that flood the space with natural light—creates an atmosphere akin to a luxury resort. This ensures that every step from entry to boarding is seamless, comfortable, and engaging, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to offer travelers a lavish, experiential journey from the moment they arrive.

Strategic Role in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision

The transformation of AUH represents a vital pillar in Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to grow its luxury tourism and business sectors. The airport acts as a gateway to world-famous cultural landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and major events such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, attracting affluent tourists and business visitors alike.

Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, emphasizes the airport’s pivotal role in driving economic diversification and global connectivity. Despite regional geopolitical challenges, AUH’s network resilience and continued expansion—marked by the addition of 16 new destinations in early 2025—underscore its growth trajectory and ability to attract international investors and tourism.

Airline Growth and Future Outlook

Etihad Airways, the home carrier based at AUH, carried over 10.2 million passengers in the first half of 2025, a 17% year-on-year increase. The airline is aiming to transport 38 million passengers by 2030, revising upward from earlier targets, and plans to expand its fleet by 20 aircraft annually. Strategic partnerships with airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and China Eastern Airlines are key components of this growth plan.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announced it would end operations in the emirate in September 2025, citing geopolitical factors, though overall passenger growth remains robust thanks to new airline partners and route expansions.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Zayed International Airport is a transformative leap in luxury tourism and aviation. The airport is not merely a transit hub but a flagship destination blending iconic design, immersive retail, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology to deliver unmatched passenger experiences.

This strategic development solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as a rising luxury tourism capital and a vital node in global air travel.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah has earned the prestigious Level Three accreditation in the Airports Council International (ACI) World Airport Customer Experience Accreditation program. The announcement was made during the Airport Experience Summit 2025 in Guangzhou, China, highlighting the airport’s growing stature on the global aviation stage.

This accreditation reflects Jeddah airport’s comprehensive approach to enhancing passenger experience, which actively involves employees, partners, and passengers in a collaborative effort to deliver superior travel services. The program evaluates airports based on rigorous metrics and standards of customer service and operational excellence, and Level Three signifies a mature, advanced customer experience strategy actively implemented across multiple stakeholder groups.

Mazen Johar, Chief Executive of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), described the accreditation as a milestone aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. “This prestigious recognition supports our aviation program’s goals by delivering top-tier passenger services and reinforcing King Abdulaziz International Airport’s position among the world’s leading airports,” Johar said. He credited the dedicated work of teams and partners in securing this global distinction.

Jeddah’s airport plays a vital role as the gateway to the Two Holy Mosques and serves as a prominent regional hub connecting Saudi Arabia internationally. The Level Three accreditation strengthens its mission to provide exceptional customer journeys while supporting the Kingdom’s broader aspirations for economic diversification and tourism promotion.

In 2024, King Abdulaziz International Airport set operational records by serving over 49 million passengers, a 14% increase from the previous year, and handling more than 278,000 flights. The airport has also made strides in sustainability, joining the ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation program at Level 2 Reduction earlier in 2025, showcasing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint through solar energy deployment and electric ground support vehicles.

The ACI Airport Customer Experience Accreditation is a globally recognized framework guiding airports toward continuous improvement through customer understanding, strategic planning, innovation, governance, and community collaboration. Level Three indicates that Jeddah Airport has implemented an advanced customer experience program engaging staff and stakeholders comprehensively to consistently enhance traveler satisfaction.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in airport infrastructure and service quality, King Abdulaziz International Airport’s accreditation marks a significant achievement that paves the way for future growth and excellence in the region’s aviation sector.

Etihad Airways has achieved a historic milestone by carrying over 2 million passengers in a single month for the first time in its history, according to its August 2025 traffic statistics. This marks a 22 percent increase compared to August 2024, reflecting strong demand and efficient utilization of the airline’s expanding capacity.

In August alone, Etihad welcomed exactly 2.0 million guests, boosting its passenger load factor to 91 percent, up from 89 percent in the same month last year. This demonstrates the airline’s ability to fill seats effectively amid rising travel demand. Year-to-date, Etihad has carried 14.2 million passengers—a substantial 18 percent increase over the same period in 2024—with an average load factor of 88 percent.

Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves described August as a "landmark month," crediting the airline's success to the trust passengers place in its people and the exceptional service they provide daily. “This record performance, combined with 22 percent year-on-year growth and a 91 percent load factor, reflects the confidence travelers have in Etihad,” Neves said.

Supporting this growth is Etihad’s expanded operating fleet, which reached 112 aircraft, allowing the airline to serve 81 passenger destinations worldwide. Notably, August also saw the entry into service of Etihad’s new Airbus A321LR, a first for the region in bringing wide-body luxury features—such as First Class suites and lie-flat Business seats—to a narrow-body aircraft on medium-haul routes. This upgrade underscores Etihad's strategic focus on enhancing the passenger experience across its network.

The airline’s network continues to broaden with over 20 additional routes confirmed, as Etihad aims to connect more cities through its Abu Dhabi hub while promoting tourism and business in the emirate. Industry analysts see Etihad’s robust growth as a sign of resilience and expanding market share in a competitive Middle Eastern aviation landscape recovering from pandemic disruptions.

Etihad’s breakthrough August figures and year-to-date growth reflect strong travel demand recovery, fleet modernization, and product innovation that keeps pace with evolving passenger expectations. The airline’s success also exemplifies the region’s ongoing recovery as it capitalizes on its strategic geographic position linking multiple continents.

The operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) began enforcing higher terminal fees starting Sunday, marking the first increase in two decades since it took control of the country’s main gateway in September 2024. The New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) announced that the passenger service charges (PSC) commonly known as terminal feesw ere raised to help sustain airport operations and support ongoing upgrades.

Under the new rates set with government oversight and the Asian Development Bank as adviser, international departure fees nearly doubled from ₱550 to ₱950, while domestic departure fees increased from ₱200 to ₱390. Despite the hikes, NNIC emphasized that NAIA’s fees remain aligned with other Philippine airports and among the lowest in Asia.

Since taking over operations, NNIC reported remitting ₱48.3 billion to the government, including a ₱30-billion upfront payment, with 82% of the airport’s revenues flowing directly to the state. Passenger traffic at NAIA has also grown, with 51.7 million travelers passing through since September 13, 2024 a 6% increase year-on-year and 283,771 flights handled during this period.

NNIC has implemented operational improvements such as reconfiguring aircraft parking stands, expanding taxiway movements, and removing abandoned aircraft to enhance airside efficiency and reduce congestion. These efforts have helped free up valuable space and smoothen airport operations.

Looking ahead, NNIC plans to introduce a facial recognition system aimed at streamlining passenger processing. This biometric technology will enable passengers to check in, drop bags, clear security, and board flights using facial identification, signaling a step toward a more modern airport experience.

“Operating an airport the size and scale of NAIA will always be demanding,” said NNIC President Ramon S. Ang. “But what this first year has shown is that with teamwork, discipline, and the dedication of our people, real change is possible. Together with government and our partners, we will sustain these gains and finally deliver a truly world-class NAIA.”

The operator’s contract, valued at ₱170.6 billion, was signed last year and extends for 25 years. It covers the operation, maintenance, and upgrade of the airport, signaling a long-term commitment to transforming NAIA’s infrastructure and passenger experience.

Industry experts see the fee adjustment as a necessary step for NAIA to remain competitive and fund critical improvements after years of underinvestment. Passenger groups acknowledge the higher charges but emphasize the need for corresponding service upgrades given NAIA’s reputation for congestion and delays.

Similar moves at other major airports in Southeast Asia show a trend toward balancing affordable travel with infrastructure modernization amid rising passenger volumes. With NAIA now recording steady traffic growth, ongoing investments and operational changes will be crucial to managing the country's busiest air gateway efficiently.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has completed the installation of over 520 hearing loops across all three of its terminals, representing the world’s largest deployment of this technology in an airport setting. This initiative is part of DXB’s broader commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, aimed at enhancing the travel experience for passengers with hearing loss, including those using hearing aids or cochlear implants.

How the Hearing Loop System Works

The hearing loops operate using induction loop technology, which transmits sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants via a magnetic field. Passengers simply activate the ‘T’ (telecoil) setting on their hearing device, which allows sound to be transmitted directly without the need for pairing or additional equipment.

This seamless operation ensures that users receive crystal-clear audio from airport announcements and communication points, greatly reducing the challenge of hearing in busy and noisy airport environments.

Strategic Locations for Hearing Loops

The hearing loops have been installed at critical passenger touchpoints throughout the airport to maximize impact and utility. These include:

• Check-in counters
• Immigration desks
• Boarding gates
• Information desks
• Other key service counters

Their presence at these major points ensures travellers with hearing difficulties can follow announcements clearly, engage with staff more easily, and navigate the airport independently and confidently.

Dedicated Staff Training

To complement the technical installation, frontline employees across DXB’s terminals have received specialized training to support guests of determination (passengers with disabilities). Training focuses on assisting travellers with hearing loss through clear communication techniques and guidance on using the hearing loop system, ensuring a more comfortable and dignified travel experience.

Collaboration and Compliance with Accessibility Standards

This project was executed in close cooperation with the oneDXB community—a partnership including Emirates, flydubai, Dubai Police, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs, dnata, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Taxi, and Dubai Duty Free. Through this collaborative effort, the installation was completed with minimal disruption to airport operations.

The hearing loop implementation aligns with Dubai’s Universal Design Code, which mandates inclusive access to all public spaces and transport infrastructure in the emirate. This code ensures that airport infrastructure meets high accessibility standards, aiming for an environment that accommodates passengers with diverse needs.

Broader Context and Long-Term Strategy

Globally, more than 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, a figure expected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050, according to the World Health Organization. Airports can often be overwhelming for those with hearing impairments due to ambient noise and complex flow of announcements. By integrating over 520 hearing loops, DXB sets a new standard for accessible travel infrastructure worldwide.

The hearing loop installation is one part of Dubai Airports’ comprehensive long-term accessibility strategy, which includes:

• Infrastructure modifications to improve physical access and communication systems
• Extensive employee training programs focused on assisting travellers of determination
• Development of guest-centered services including quiet stress relief areas for passengers with sensory sensitivities

Impact on Travellers

Passengers benefiting from the hearing loops gain:

• Clear, direct communication of boarding announcements and airport instructions
• Reduced stress and improved confidence moving through airport processes like check-in, security, and boarding
• Greater independence without the need for additional devices or assistance

In 2024, DXB also opened a dedicated quiet 'stress relief area' at Terminal 2 tailored to people of determination, demonstrating the airport’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

In 2024, DXB handled a record 92.3 million passengers, reinforcing its position as the world’s busiest international airport and underscoring the importance of investments in technologies that improve the travel experience for all passengers.

With this extensive hearing loop network and dedicated staff training, Dubai International Airport is pioneering global standards in accessibility, reaffirming its leadership in inclusive, innovative passenger experiences.

For the year 2025, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) has been ranked as the best airport in the world according to the AirHelp Score, a global ranking by AirHelp, an online flight compensation and passenger rights service. After evaluating more than 200 airports based on punctuality, service quality, and amenities, Cape Town secured the top spot with an outstanding score of 8.57 out of 10.

The AirHelp Score is based on three key factors: on-time performance (weighted at 60%), service quality (20%), and food and shopping (20%). Cape Town International Airport scored 8.6 for punctuality and an even higher 8.7 for customer experience, showcasing its operational excellence and passenger satisfaction. This ranking underlines CPT's reputation not just for efficiency but also for the quality of services and amenities it offers passengers.

Cape Town offers travelers more than just an excellent airport. Upon arrival, breathtaking views of Table Mountain greet visitors, with opportunities to explore this iconic landmark via cable car or hiking. The city itself is rich with history and culture, from the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood to Robben Island, Mandela’s place of imprisonment. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront provides vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment options, all set against the backdrop of Table Mountain. Nearby, Chapman’s Peak Drive presents one of the world's most scenic coastal road trips.

Trailing closely behind Cape Town are Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, with a score of 8.52, and Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Saudi Arabia, scoring 8.47. Other airports in the top ten include Brasília Juscelino Kubitschek Airport (BSB) in Brazil, Muscat International Airport (MCT) in Oman, Tocumen International Airport (PTY) in Panama, King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in South Africa, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)—the highest-ranked U.S. airport—with 8.29, Bergen Airport (BGO) in Norway, and King Fahd International Airport (DMM) in Saudi Arabia.

This ranking highlights Cape Town International Airport’s rising status as a world-class aviation hub, supported by Southern Africa’s growing investment in infrastructure and passenger-centric services. For travelers planning trips, the AirHelp Score can be a useful indicator of which airports offer the best experience for punctuality and quality amenities.